North Carolina State University Athletics
#PackPros - Catching Up With Tziarra King
1/27/2021 2:14:00 PM | Women's Soccer
GoPack.com recently caught up with women's soccer #PackPro Tziarra King (2016-19) to see what life has been like since she graduated NC State. The following is a Q&A series about her experience since she was drafted by Utah Royals FC in the 2020 NWSL Draft.
Q: This month marks one year since you made history by becoming the first NC State player to be drafted to the NWSL. Looking back on the past year, what's the best word to describe your experience and why?
A: "It has been quite a unique year. It was a dream come true starting my professional career, but I don't think anyone really anticipated 2020 unfolding the way it did. Regardless, I learned a lot and got a taste for this league, so I'm really grateful for that. I guess the word I would use to describe it would be unexpected."
Q: Your rookie season probably didn't go as you imagined due to COVID, but you were still able to get some games under your belt and play with/against some of the best players in the world. Can you talk about what it was like to play in the "bubble" and what types of protocols were put in place for you all to be able to play?
A: "Our team was fortunate that the bubble location was in our home market, so we got to stay in our own apartments rather than a hotel. Because of that our bubble experience was probably a bit more comfortable than others. But with the protocols, it was very monotonous. We had regular testing and couldn't go anywhere besides team facilities and our apartments. I could write a novel telling you about all the protocols, haha."
Q: In your debut, you managed to score the equalizer against Houston Dash in the final minutes of the game. What was that feeling like to have that kind of a start to your professional career?
A: "Honestly it still feels kinda surreal. When I watch it back, I'm like 'How did I even do that?' haha. But I'm just thankful that in my first professional game I not only got a chance to go in, but I was able to make an immediate impact for my team. I hope to just continue to grow from there as a player and have the best professional career I can."
Q: Talking about your work off the field, you've become an advocate and ally for a lot of different groups and causes. Can you talk about these groups and what sparked your desire to be their advocate and ally?
A: "Athlete Ally is an organization focusing on representation and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community in sports. I truly believe sports should be a welcoming environment for all, so it was a no brainer for me to join as an ambassador with this group.
"Black Women's Player Collective is made up of Black women in the NWSL. The goal of this organization is to empower and advance opportunities for Black girls in sport and beyond. This group also provides a support system and unified voice for the Black players within our league.
"Voice in Sport is an online resource for female athletes age 13+. This platform aims to inspire female athletes to stay involved in sports by bringing more visibility to female athletes at all levels. Through this platform I'm a VIS League Member, which means I have individual and group mentoring sessions on a variety of topics."
Q: Is there a particular group or cause that speaks to you/hits home more than the others?
A: "Everything I'm involved in is equally important to me. The focus with everything I do is continuing to uplift and support marginalized populations because representation matters."
Q: You recently were traded to OL Reign. Are you excited for this move? Do you know anyone on the team already?
A: "I am very excited for this new opportunity! I just recently moved out to Tacoma and so far, I've really enjoyed it. I do know a few people on the team, so I'm excited to get going with this group!"
Q: Heading into your second season and first with a new team, do you have any goals set out?
A: "My goal is pretty much always the same - grow as a player and person every day. I think focusing on that will lead me down whatever path I'm intended for."
Q: If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?
A: "Wear a mask, wash your hands, and protect Black women."
Q: Looking back on your time at NC State, do you think it helped you become the person you are today?
A: "One hundred percent. Moving away from (New) Jersey and going to NC State opened my eyes to new experiences and helped me to grow more into who I am. I'm so thankful for the time I spent and relationships I built at State. If I could go back and do it all over again I certainly would?
Q: This month marks one year since you made history by becoming the first NC State player to be drafted to the NWSL. Looking back on the past year, what's the best word to describe your experience and why?
A: "It has been quite a unique year. It was a dream come true starting my professional career, but I don't think anyone really anticipated 2020 unfolding the way it did. Regardless, I learned a lot and got a taste for this league, so I'm really grateful for that. I guess the word I would use to describe it would be unexpected."
Q: Your rookie season probably didn't go as you imagined due to COVID, but you were still able to get some games under your belt and play with/against some of the best players in the world. Can you talk about what it was like to play in the "bubble" and what types of protocols were put in place for you all to be able to play?
A: "Our team was fortunate that the bubble location was in our home market, so we got to stay in our own apartments rather than a hotel. Because of that our bubble experience was probably a bit more comfortable than others. But with the protocols, it was very monotonous. We had regular testing and couldn't go anywhere besides team facilities and our apartments. I could write a novel telling you about all the protocols, haha."
Q: In your debut, you managed to score the equalizer against Houston Dash in the final minutes of the game. What was that feeling like to have that kind of a start to your professional career?
A: "Honestly it still feels kinda surreal. When I watch it back, I'm like 'How did I even do that?' haha. But I'm just thankful that in my first professional game I not only got a chance to go in, but I was able to make an immediate impact for my team. I hope to just continue to grow from there as a player and have the best professional career I can."
Q: Talking about your work off the field, you've become an advocate and ally for a lot of different groups and causes. Can you talk about these groups and what sparked your desire to be their advocate and ally?
A: "Athlete Ally is an organization focusing on representation and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community in sports. I truly believe sports should be a welcoming environment for all, so it was a no brainer for me to join as an ambassador with this group.
"Black Women's Player Collective is made up of Black women in the NWSL. The goal of this organization is to empower and advance opportunities for Black girls in sport and beyond. This group also provides a support system and unified voice for the Black players within our league.
"Voice in Sport is an online resource for female athletes age 13+. This platform aims to inspire female athletes to stay involved in sports by bringing more visibility to female athletes at all levels. Through this platform I'm a VIS League Member, which means I have individual and group mentoring sessions on a variety of topics."
Q: Is there a particular group or cause that speaks to you/hits home more than the others?
A: "Everything I'm involved in is equally important to me. The focus with everything I do is continuing to uplift and support marginalized populations because representation matters."
Q: You recently were traded to OL Reign. Are you excited for this move? Do you know anyone on the team already?
A: "I am very excited for this new opportunity! I just recently moved out to Tacoma and so far, I've really enjoyed it. I do know a few people on the team, so I'm excited to get going with this group!"
Q: Heading into your second season and first with a new team, do you have any goals set out?
A: "My goal is pretty much always the same - grow as a player and person every day. I think focusing on that will lead me down whatever path I'm intended for."
Q: If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?
A: "Wear a mask, wash your hands, and protect Black women."
Q: Looking back on your time at NC State, do you think it helped you become the person you are today?
A: "One hundred percent. Moving away from (New) Jersey and going to NC State opened my eyes to new experiences and helped me to grow more into who I am. I'm so thankful for the time I spent and relationships I built at State. If I could go back and do it all over again I certainly would?
Players Mentioned
Midfielder
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