Women’s Soccer News

Throughout the 2017-18 season, U SPORTS sits down with one key athlete, coach, and staff member of each U SPORTS athletic program in our new interview series “Getting to know…”

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Name: Cindy Tye

School: Dalhousie University

Sport: Women’s Soccer

Position: Head Coach

Seniority: 2nd season

Previous school/position:

  • Math & Physical Eucation teacher for 20 years
  • Nova Scotia Canada Games coach – 2009, 2013 and 2017
  • Current assistant coach, Canada’s U20 team

Cindy played five seasons (1990-1995) with the Acadia Axewomen, earning a U SPORTS championship with them in her first season. The 1994-95 AUS women’s soccer MVP, she led Acadia to two AUS conference titles and was chosen as their female athlete of the year in 1994 and 1995. She was an AUS all-star in all five seasons she played, earned two U SPORTS All-Canadian nods and was the AUS rookie of the year in 1990-91. She was also three-time academic All-Canadian.

Hometown: Truro, N.S.

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1. How did you first get involved in coaching? What was your path to your position as head coach of Dalhousie? 

I was involved as a volunteer coach when I was in university. Later, I was injured for a summer and stayed in the game by taking coaching certifications and haven't stopped since. 

2. Who are the people that have influenced you most as a coach? 

My previous coaches and teachers all played a big role, as did the coaches I have mentored with in Nova Scotia.  

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3. How would you describe your coaching style?

I always link my teaching background to my coaching. Always trying to find a way to give the players the right information at the right time and in a way that they understand.  

4. Which coach do you admire the most, and why? 

I have worked with so many great people at all levels from the national team to grassroots. I admire their work ethic, enthusiasm, and want to make things better. Peter McCormick is a community leader and coach with Special Olympics in our province. Spending time with him, seeing what he demands of his athletes, the way he engages them, always reminds me of the bigger picture in doing what we do in sport. 

5. What is the most “out-of-the-box” thing you’ve done as a coach?

I think always trying to find other ways to get the best out of players. Not sure how "out of the box" those things are because all coaches are looking for a way in to have the maximum impact on a player or team in a positive way. It always looks different depending on the team, so always being willing to adapt and be flexible to meet their needs.  

6. What is your greatest coaching moment or achievement? 

There are a few at different levels. I love the challenge of being involved in U SPORTS at Dalhousie and working with those players – an environment that is new to me. Last year, I was part of the U20 World Cup staff that competed in Papa, New Guinea. More recently, the bronze medal performance from our Nova Scotia Canada Games Team was memorable.  

7. What’s the best advice you can give to an athlete and/or athlete’s parents?

I always tell athletes that they have to enjoy what they do and enjoy the process of trying to be the best version of themselves. For parents, instill in them a work ethic and a positive mindset, and get out of the way. They can control those things and will be able to deal with the adversity and success that sport and life will bring. 

8. How have you changed as a coach over time? What principles/values etc. have remained the same? 

Hard work, team-first, and enthusiasm are definitely things that are constant for me in my day to day. I have embraced technology. The different ways that players can learn have changed the way I deliver information, and find it always evolving.  

9. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not in coaching mode? 

Spending time with my family and I have to move every day, so running and biking. 

10.  What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you as a coach?

Pretty sure there are too many to recall, but I am known for mixing up players names and getting frustrated when that player won't respond. Usually another player or staff will eventually save me.

Related: Tye Brings Wealth of Experience to Women's Soccer Roster