“On the Pitch” is a series of web articles from BYU players.  This week senior defender, Tyler Christiansen shares his thoughts.

Christiansen leaps to deflect a cross against the U21 Mexican national team on May 12, 2010. (BYU Photo)

My name is Tyler Christiansen. I am a centerback defender going into my fourth season as a member of the BYU soccer team. I chose BYU over other soccer programs for many reasons. There is no other program in the country that can offer what this one can. From a competitive standpoint I’ve been able to play against teams like the MLS champs Real Salt Lake, and the Olympic teams from Mexico and Fiji. We practice and play in facilities that are second to none. But perhaps the biggest draw for me was to be part of a group of such outstanding guys who represent much more than a soccer team. Another reason I chose BYU was because as part of the offer, Coach Watkins guaranteed me a spot after returning from my mission.

I served my mission in the beautiful Andes of Peru. It was the greatest experience I could have asked for (until I married my beautiful wife, Mackenzie). I learned to serve selflessly, work diligently and that the most important service you can do for others is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. My best memories as a member of this team have also been by providing service while representing our team, including a humanitarian trip to Nicaragua.

This time of year is definitely not the most glamorous time to be a college athlete, but its the time that can really define a player and a team. The coaches have outlined off-season workouts for all the players who were on our fall team and have left it up to us to do it. Between school and work it can be hard to find the time everyday to get out in the cold and run or strike a bag of balls, but we do it because we want to be a better team.

I really feel optimistic about next season for several reasons. First of all we had a great fall season, really dominating our competition. Another positive has been our early morning free-play sessions. The number of guys coming out in the mornings has been excellent compared to years past. I do not envy the job of our coaches come tryouts in February. We had 32 players on our fall roster, and have at least 7 return missionaries who will have guaranteed spots. From that very talented group of players the final roster will be closer to 20 guys. That fact is creating some great competition and really pushing everyone.

For my part I am extremely excited about our 2011 PDL season and what we can achieve as a team. As the returning leader for our defense I am very committed to help us become one of the top defenses in the league this season. We didn’t allow a single goal this fall season when our starters were on the field which is a good sign. Clay Christenson is our defensive coach and he has very high expectations of us as well. With that being said our biggest problem last year was finding the back of the net. We know it will take lots of work to be consistently effective on offense but we have the talent to do it.Tweet