He went into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2002. That was during his 20-year stint as the head coach of Princeton men’s lacrosse team. Bill Tierney could have just sailed away with his HOF status and several other accolades, but he wanted another adventure. Seven years after his induction, Bill left the east coast and began to lead the men’s lacrosse team at the University of Denver. During his 14 seasons with the Pioneers, his teams amassed a record of 167-59 (69-8 in the conference), 5 Championship Weekend appearances and his 7th career National Championship. He also helped produce countless student athletes with impressive accolades like All-American, Scholar Americans, Players of the Year and All-Conference selections. Bill Tierney put lacrosse on the map west of the Mississippi.
Growing up Bill was an athlete and lacrosse came after football and several other sports. He eventually picked up a stick to help a friend hone his skills. After college, he got into coaching and quickly reached his only goal: to be his high school’s head football coach. From there new goals were set and Bill moved to the college ranks. He mostly coached lacrosse, however at Johns Hopkins, he also coached soccer (a sport he admittedly knew nothing about) and that team won. He started a family with Helen and two of their four children played for Bill at Princeton. He figured out how to coach anyone and everyone and be successful.
Bill retired from coaching in 2023. He has already done some media work and will undoubtedly do more. He plans to stay around Denver for now… until Helen picks the next adventure. It’s her turn.