Daniel Gray born with Stars in his eyes, now taking center stage for Tacoma Tide FC

What do the sons of Puget Sound area soccer stars become? So many of them have gone on to play high-level local and even national soccer. So many of their fathers liked this area enough that they settled and raised families here, becoming coaches, staying in the game.

In South Sound the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) run of the Tacoma Stars (1983-1992) brought talented guys to the City of Destiny, and many have stayed and made Tacoma their home. One of those guys is Gerry Gray, who took over as head coach of Tacoma Tide FC this year.

This interview, though, is with Gerry's son Daniel Gray. Daniel starred at Crossfire Premier, Bellarmine Prep, and will be a senior this year at Cal Poly SLO. He's playing for TacomaTide FC of the USL Premier Development League this summer in the central midfield. Let's  see what a local son, born with Tacoma Stars in his eyes, says about his own career in the sport...

SSE: Do you remember going to Tacoma Stars matches as a little kid? How often do those days come up in family conversations?

Daniel Gray: "I actually don't really remember going to the Stars games.  I wish I did.  I heard they were pretty fun back in the day.  And there are always some good stories that come up every once in awhile especially when we're with other former Tacoma players like Neil Megson and Joey Waters."

Do you play indoors, too?

"I love indoor soccer.  The Soccer Center seemed like a second home to me especially as a kid.  I don't play competitively like in the Tacoma Stars league now but I love going to like drop in sessions with a bunch of friends. Those are always fun."

As a Bellarmine grad, talk about that program under Joey Waters. What goes into making the Lions so good every year?

"I've known Joe my whole life so it was fun playing for him for four years.  Everyone knows that high school soccer isn't as competitive as club, but everyone plays because it's a lot of fun and you get to go out and represent your school and have your peers come watch you play. I had a blast playing for Joe and winning state with the team my freshmen year.  I think Bellarmine is good every year because we take it very seriously.  There's a certain culture up there on the hill and Joe and Steve Seiwerath, the assistant coach, do a great job to maintain that culture every year.  At Bellarmine their goal is to win state every year and not just be satisfied by participating in the state tournament."

Were you surprised when your dad accepted the head coaching job with Tacoma Tide FC?

"I wasn't too surprised when he took the job.  I think he missed the game and coaching a bit and it's been fun for him so far, although his golf game might go down the hill now (ha-ha) .  He's good friends with Mike Jennings (Tide owner) and Mike wanted him to get more involved and I think it's a good fit for him.   I've had my dad coach me for a good portion of my life.  The only time he hasn't is when I played for Crossfire and Cal Poly.  We maintain a good professional relationship and I'm never guaranteed a spot just because he's coaching.  I have to go out and earn it on the field."

Gray with the Cal Poly SLO Mustangs. (Cal Poly Sports photo)

Was his hiring enough to convince you to join the Tide roster?

"Definitely, I was also considering playing for Washington Crossfire, but once he got on board it was it very easy for me to decide who to play for.  You gotta rep the hometown of Tacoma too! (Daniel laughs and smiles)

At Cal-Poly you've played a few positions. Is attacking mid your best? Is that what you'll be playing for the Tide?

"Another definite.  I've played center mid my whole life and I love it and by the looks of it so far I think I'll be playing there for the Tide this summer."

Looking at the Tide roster for 2010, it sure looks like you guys have a chance to be pretty good. Is that your feeling, too? Are Tide practices competitive from that standpoint?

"I think it's going to be a great season for us and we are looking to win the league.  We've got some great players that will make this something special.  And the trainings are very competitive. Everyone is working their butt offs to try and earn a spot for the matches."

Tacoma lost 3:0 at Kitsap last weekend. The score doesn't tell the real story of the match. What is your review of how the Tide played? What was the vibe in the locker room after the match?

"I thought we played very well is the first half of the game the other night. I thought we should have been winning at half time 3-2.  But it was our first game together as a team and Kitsap has been playing together for the past couple months I believe.  I think we got a lot of out of the game the other night, a lot of stuff to take away from it.  I was happy with the performance, but not the result.  After the game everyone was pretty down in             the locker room, because we expected to get a result, but it will be a different story next time we play Kitsap at home.  Mark that one down on your calendar."

What are you most looking forward to in the 2010 PDL season? What personal goals have you set for yourself?

"I'm looking forward to enjoying the beautiful game that I am able to play.  It should be a lot of fun.  I hope to be an impact player for the team and in the league.  I'm excited."

Do you think South Sound (Tacoma-area) soccer gets enough credit for the players it produces in the state?

"I think so.  There are some guys who have done well: Ciaran O'Brien, Joe Gjertsen to say a few.  The area should never be overlooked though."

If you could write the script for the next five years of your soccer career, how would you want it to go?

"Have an outstanding PDL season this summer, another great season for my last year of college, get my degree, and see where it goes from there.   It would be great to play here in the States in the MLS or lower division or even head overseas to give it a shot there."