Record-Setting Duo Strives for Success at ISU

AMES, Iowa ? Iowa State head soccer coach Wendy Dillinger and newly appointed assistant coach Tracy Grose are at the top of nearly every offensive record at Indiana University. As the duo looks to have similar success at ISU, they spoke to cyclones.com about the lessons they have learned through their successful careers as both players and coaches.

Dillinger begins her second season at the ISU helm this fall. After recording impressive statistics in both high school and club soccer in St. Charles, Mo., Dillinger played for Indiana in its inaugural season under head coach Joe Kelley. Two years later, fellow St. Charles forward Tracy Grose began her freshman year for the Hoosiers.

Grose holds the record for single-season goals (15) and points (36) at Indiana, while Dillinger ranks first in career goals (37) and points (98) in Hoosier history. Grose stands second on career goals (32) and points (80); Dillinger is second in single-season goals (13) and points (34).

Both became assistants for the Indiana program soon after their graduation and went on to become successful collegiate coaches. Grose spent seven years at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff and Dillinger spent six seasons at Washington University in St. Louis.

The two also spent time in the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA). Dillinger competed with the Atlanta Beat in 2001, while Grose won the league championship with the Carolina Courage in 2002.

cyclones.com: What can you attribute your successful careers (as players and coaches) to?
Dillinger: We grew up with the women's program at Indiana. We had great role models and good opportunities.
Grose: Being fortunate enough to be on a well-coached club team and seeing Indiana's men's program, we understood what the foundation of a good program looked like. We had role models whose goal was to have their players find passion.

cyclones.com: How has your past soccer success helped shape you as a person?
Dillinger: It was more than playing soccer. Without soccer, I wouldn't have gone to college. I was given the opportunity to have a better life. Now, I want to create the same opportunity for other kids.
Grose: Athletics, on the whole, is a great way to develop as a person. Soccer has always paralleled my life experiences. There is value in always having goals in mind and knowing how to face adversity.

cyclones.com: Is there anything you would have done differently as a player?
Dillinger: Listen to my coaches more. I would have been less stubborn and more receptive.
Grose: I would have tried to understand the importance of fitness.

cyclones.com: After playing with and against Coach Dillinger, how was it to have her as an assistant coach your senior year at Indiana?
Grose: Wendy was in her first season as a coach that season, the year I earned first-team All-Big Ten honors. I began believing in myself because she believed in me. She so selflessly wanted the best for me and other players.

cyclones.com: Are there any qualities you possessed as a player that you look for in recruits?
Dillinger: There's the physical aspect, but every coach looks for that. Intelligence while you're playing, movement off the ball; a true eye for the game.
Grose: General gamesmanship.

cyclones.com: What aspects of your success have carried over to your coaching philosophies?
Dillinger: It's a group effort. Everyone needs to be on board, have good character and integrity. You have to be willing to sacrifice and commit fully to the program, and you have to trust that your teammates are doing the same thing.
Grose: I want to give players a chance to feel the accomplishment and know what success feels like.

cyclones.com: If you could offer advice to incoming, current or aspiring Cyclones, what would it be?
Dillinger: Take advantage of every opportunity and don't sweat the small stuff.
Grose: Allow yourself to dream, but be prepared if the dreams come true.

The Cyclone soccer team begins its 2009 campaign at Creighton Aug. 21 before playing host to a four-game homestand that starts Aug. 28 against South Dakota State.

Iowa State University Athletics

Record-Setting Duo Strives for Success at ISU

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