Lily Tanko '22 Recruiting Profile

I love soccer!  I have grown up playing soccer and can’t imagine a life without it.  I hope someday I can be a coach and share the love I have for the game. In the summer of 2019 my Wyoming travel team won Regionals in Seattle, WA, and finished third at the U.S. Club National Cup in Denver. Several of my teammates signed with Division I colleges and universities and many more signed at other college levels. I want to be part of a team that believes in working hard, always improving, and being a team. I know that you can be your best, but your best comes through with hard work.  I am an athlete. I also compete in track and swimming.  I especially like hurdles.  In 2018 as a freshman I really improved in track and qualified for state regionals, running my fastest time at regionals. In swimming, I qualified for state in 3 events, finishing third in one of our relays! My parents have always encouraged me to work hard and following my passion for soccer.  I've dealt with challenges in soccer, suffering broken bones and other injuries, and always I have come back stronger and more determined than ever before.  Challenges are tough, but they also make you stronger.  Playing soccer in Montana isn’t like playing soccer in other states. It’s common to travel 2-4 hours for a match and sometimes longer just for practice.  Some of my practices for my travel teams were 5-6 hours away.  I still have school, homework, work, and other activities, so you have to learn how to balance your time, focus on tasks, and try to have fun when you can!  I hope you want to learn more about me and give me the chance to help your team win.  I know I can do it!  You won't find another player wanting to win more than me or one who will put in the extra work to prove it.