Perth Glory's Tijan McKenna: A Homegrown Talent's Rise
Tijan McKenna, a Perth native, has returned to her roots, rejoining Perth Glory's A-League Women's squad after a stint in Victoria. Her homecoming is marked not only by a renewed sense of belonging but also by a determination to achieve significant milestones in her football career. McKenna's journey is a compelling narrative of growth, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.
The Victoria Experience: A Crucible for Growth
McKenna's time in Victoria proved to be a formative experience, both personally and professionally. Playing in the A-League Women and NPLW leagues, she faced challenges that honed her skills and fostered independence. Life away from family tested her resilience, forcing her to mature quickly and become self-reliant. The financial strain of living independently added another layer of complexity to her experience. She described it as a period of immense personal growth, requiring her to take ownership of her life and career. The experience, she explained, significantly improved her maturity, both on and off the field.
Mentorship Under Dario Vidošić
During her time at Melbourne City, McKenna was coached by Dario Vidošić, now the manager of Brighton and Hove Albion in the English WSL. She spoke highly of his coaching style, emphasizing the impact his experience and tactical acumen had on her development. Vidošić's emphasis on mental strength, and confidence building was particularly valuable to McKenna. She credits Vidošić with helping her maximize her playing minutes and enhancing her on-field confidence.
A Triumphant Return to Perth
Following a successful stint with Melbourne City and a standout performance in the NPLW WA with Perth SC, where she contributed significantly to their State Cup victory and Top Four Cup Final appearance, McKenna returned to Perth Glory. The familiar environment and the presence of several of her Perth SC teammates, including Georgia Cassidy, Grace Johnston, Ella Lincoln and Charli Wainwright, have helped facilitate a smooth transition. The opportunity to play her preferred central midfield position, where she thrives on creativity, was also a significant factor in her return.
Thriving Under New Leadership
McKenna's return to Glory coincides with the arrival of a new head coach, Stephen Peters. She has expressed great positivity toward his coaching style, describing his approach as positive and supportive. Peters' philosophy of encouraging players to take risks, learn from mistakes, and continuously improve has resonated with McKenna. She feels comfortable taking initiatives, knowing that her coach prioritizes learning over avoiding errors. This environment has not only helped her grow as a player but has also contributed to a positive team dynamic, creating a supportive and comfortable atmosphere. The integration of the new coaching staff, combined with the team's unity, has led to a remarkably smooth transition despite the challenges presented by injuries within the team.
A Bright Future Beckons
McKenna is determined to maximize her playing time this season and focus on daily improvement. While a team objective to reach the finals is certainly ambitious, McKenna's focus remains steadfastly on the game-by-game improvements being made both individually and collectively. She embodies the spirit of continual growth and recognizes the value of incremental gains, acknowledging that individual improvements directly contribute to a stronger team performance. For McKenna, the opportunity to play regularly and showcase her talent is a victory in itself, a testament to her perseverance and dedication. The future holds immense potential for this talented young player, and her journey so far serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers everywhere. This season will undoubtedly see her flourishing under the guidance of a supportive coaching staff and the uplifting camaraderie of her teammates. Her contributions will undoubtedly shape Perth Glory’s path towards success.
