Player Feature: Skyler Bierker

Skyler Bierker poses for her Player Feature. Credit: Tom Arnison, Crystal Hunter, and Tyler Navas

Skyler Bierker, defender for the Women’s First Team, has been a crucial part of the Rooks’ defensive line since joining the club. In this part of the Player Features series, Bierker talks her soccer career, what motivates her as a player, and how she became a part of ECFC.

What’s your earliest memory of playing soccer, and when did you realize you wanted to play it in your adult life?

“My earliest memory of playing soccer actually started before I started playing soccer. It was really like just watching my sister play and being like, ‘I want to be like her,’ and falling in love with the sport before even starting myself. It’s always been just so cool.” 

“For me, I feel like it’s never been a question. Soccer’s been something of a home for me for forever. I love playing it and I don’t know where I’d be without it, in all honesty.” 

What was the biggest challenge you faced on your journey to becoming a semi-professional soccer player?

“The biggest challenge is definitely consistency. Like, life happens and everyone knows that life happens, but just the ability to just show up everyday, kind of let go of things that happen outside of the game and play how you want to play and be the person that you want to be.” 

Who has been the most influential coach or mentor in your career?

“Probably my old club coach. They kind of picked me up when I was in a bit of a slump in soccer. They definitely helped give me the confidence to even start applying to colleges and really just like, they’re just incredible people.”

Is there a moment in your career you’re most proud of?

“I wouldn’t say one moment. I’m kind of just proud that I’m still with it. I’m still sticking with it, still working hard, still trying to be the best that I can be.”

What does your typical day look like during the season vs. during the offseason?

“The only major difference is timewise. In the offseason, I might try and get a workout in before my day really starts. In season, it’s more like, we might have class and then we go to practice and then keep going with our day from there.”

 How do you handle pressure or nerves before big games?

“I look to my left, I look to my right, I see my teammates, and I just trust them that they got me, even if I slip up, you just got to kind of shake it off. Make sure you’re playing for your teammates and trust that they’re going to do the same for you and trust that it’s going to work out in the end.” 

If you weren’t playing soccer semi-professionally, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

“Honestly, I don’t know. I would hope that I would be in a lab somewhere working. But, soccer has just always been such a big part of my life that I genuinely do not know where I’d be at.” 

“I’m a forensic science major. It’s definitely a lot, but it’s incredibly interesting and it just makes me think a lot, and I enjoy it.” 

Why did you join ECFC?  

“I was really lucky. I wasn’t actually supposed to be staying in Chicago this summer. It was a fairly last minute decision on my part. I was originally planning on going home to Pittsburgh, where I’m originally from. But, things worked out that allowed me to stay. Honestly, a bunch of luck got me to play with Edgewater. [Head coach] Emma came to one of [Loyola Women’s Soccer] practices and told our team a little bit about the team.” 

What has been your favorite memory with the team?

“There’s a few. It’s just been such an incredible experience. I don’t think I can just pick one. It’s just an amazing group of people. We've taken a couple bus rides and it’s just so fun, especially after a win, when you're celebrating on the bus. That’s just the best feeling in the world.” 

What is your favorite pregame song?

“Odd Ducks by Rare Americans is an amazing one. And so is, okay this one’s kind of funny, but, you gotta get the confidence up, so Call Me Mother by RuPaul.”

Who’s your favorite soccer player?

“That’s a hard one. For a second, it’s been [Virgil] van Dijk, because I’m a major Liverpool fan. Naomi Germa is also just incredible. Honestly, just defenders. I love to give them some props.”

What’s your favorite pregame meal?

“I go with the classic peanut butter and jelly. Ideally, I would use strawberry [jelly], but I’ve been on a grape kick.”

What advice would you give to young players who want to continue playing soccer in their adult life?

“I actually love this question because, honestly, I’m someone who always wants advice. I don’t know what I’m doing, so please give me advice. If you really want to go play in adult life, just keep your head down, work hard. Most importantly, stay true to yourself. Don’t ever try and cross the line where you think, ‘well, other people want me to do this.’ If you want it, go for it and stay true to yourself.”