Mississippi State University freshman forward Sierra Bergen has soccer in her DNA.
Growing up in the cold climate of Cultus Lake, British Columbia, she was an excellent wing player who could shake off defenders and send the ball past the goalie and into the nets of various soccer facilities. The transition across the border to a new chapter in her life was sometimes difficult as she left Canada for the United States and Mississippi.
Bergen recalled walking into a Walmart on Highway 12 in Starkville and asking one of the employees where the washroom was, not knowing that it was called a restroom in the United States. When she asked the question, the worker looked confused. She also brought up a joke her teammates made about the pronunciation of the classic Italian dish pasta, which British Columbians pronounce “posta.”
But other than those instances, the move from a small community in British Columbia to Starkville, Mississippi went very smoothly.
“It's also a close-knit community and everyone is very friendly, so it feels very homey in a way,” Bergen said of her first year in Starkville. “It was a really good adjustment.”
Prior to joining the Bulldogs, Bergen played with the Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club Girls Elite program at the Canada Soccer National Development Center (NDC), where she won a gold medal at the 2023 U17 Canadian Nationals. She also trained at Manchester United Football Club. -21 teams in 2023.
Despite Bergen's grandmother's roots in England and interest from clubs, passport issues prevented him from playing in Manchester long-term, as well as time constraints and some minor logistical issues. became. Instead, she decided to take her talents to Mississippi State University's football program. Bergen was drawn to Bulldogs coach James Armstrong and his team because Armstrong saw Bergen as a midfielder, the offense ran better to fit Armstrong's needs, and she Because it created scoring opportunities for his team, just like it did against its opponents in British Columbia.
“When he found out, I immediately knew Starkville was worth checking out, and once I did, I fell in love with the city,” Bergen said. said. “Then, after meeting with the coaches, I realized he had a similar vision for me as a player, and I liked what the program was about.”
Despite being a Canadian girl in a new and unfamiliar land, Ms. Bergen easily integrated into her new college home, filled with Southern hospitality and home-cooked food.
“Everyone was so friendly, so it was very easy to get into,” Bergen said. “All the freshmen are kind of in the same boat in a way, just coming to a new state and joining a new team and everything, so being able to get to know everyone and getting to know everything. I think it was really good.'' At the same time, a bond is formed.
Her coaches and teammates helped her learn the high standards of a team that missed out on a spot in the NCAA Soccer Tournament. But it wasn't easy.
Bergen entered training camp with an injury and is currently unable to play on the field. She says soccer is a big part of her identity, so getting to know her teammates without playing has been difficult for her. But she wants to contribute to the team as soon as possible.
Bergen said, “I want to contribute by scoring a lot of assists and goals, and if possible, I want to make a good debut.'' “Basically just getting a lot of scoring chances and scoring a lot of goals.”
Bulldog fans will have a chance to watch her play for the maroon and white when the team returns to action this fall.