Backstage at the 2020 National Women’s Soccer League College Draft recently-selected forward Tziarra King stops a reporter mid-question as the opening beat of a Kanye West song pours out over the load speakers. The product of North Carolina State immediately starts to dance, taking a moment to celebrate and soak in the tangible feeling of having her dreams come true.
She’s just been selected as the No. 8 overall pick, the highest selection in Utah Royals FC history and the first-ever from NC State. And within moments of becoming a professional athlete she’s already turning heads. In her speech at the podium she used her time to thank her family, friends, coaches and, uniquely, the grounds crew, sports phycologists and equipment staffs who had dedicated time to get her to this exact moment.