The first step on the long climb to the top of the mountain began in September for head coach Bill Tierney who met with members of his Philadelphia Waterdogs to build toward 2025. 

Following a disappointing 2-8 season in 2024, Tierney laid out what the offseason holds and his plans to improve the team.

Continuing to learn

It doesn’t matter what sport you’re in, the transition from the college to pro level is a harsh one that Tierney experienced firsthand last season.

“It's no secret, we had a disappointing season," Tierney said. "I take the blame for that. I had to learn a lot about coaching in the pros." 

Even with 49 years of experience in high school and college under his belt, Tierney said he “knew nothing” about coaching in the pro league when he took over. Now, he’s using the offseason to learn and grow with his team. 

The former Princeton and Denver head coach has met with players over Zoom to improve their process and get on the same page heading into the season. With an Opening Weekend bye on the schedule, Tierney has more time to go in-depth during training camp and learn.

“If you can't [learn], you shouldn't do it, whatever it might be. So, I learned a lot and I can tell you that the guys were fantastic,” Tierney said.

Stack talent and competition

The Waterdogs hold the Golden Ticket, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 College Draft, and four other picks, plus player movement, to build the roster. Notre Dame attacker Chris Kavanagh and Virginia LSM Ben Wayer are near the top of the draft board, but the overall league opinion is that Cornell attacker CJ Kirst is a near lock to go No. 1.   

Outside of the first selection, Tierney is uncertain what the draft will hold with many questions about what other teams are looking for. He and his staff are ready to pick whoever falls to them.

“Big picture is to create more competition for the lineup, for the roster and become a better team,” Tierney said.

The addition of attacker Zed Williams was a great start for Philadelphia, which acquired the 2020 PLL MVP in December. But Williams was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform List this week and is expected to miss the majority of the upcoming season. The purple and white have also re-signed 11 of their 15 pending unsigned players this offseason.

Already boasting six players (Michael Sowers, Williams, Zach Currier, Jack Hannah, Kieran McArdleand Ben Randall) ranked in the 2024 Players Top 50, Tierney said he’s looking to build competition across the field at every position.

Building depth 

The Waterdogs’ stack of picks opens Tierney up to building the roster deeper than just the starting lineup. 

Tierney emphasized the need for depth at the pole and the short-stick defensive midfielder positions. 

Goalies Matt DeLuca and Dillon Ward are both back with the team through the 2026 season, and Tierney hopes to build competition between the two. Last season, Ward was the starter for the majority of the year before DeLuca took over late. 

Jake Richard and Jake Higgins haven’t signed out of the SSDM group, leaving the team with Charlie Hayes, Matt Whitcher and Christian Scarpello on the roster.