Dierken begins her first season as the Gannon women's wrestling coach in 2018-19. Gannon Director of Athletics Lisa Goddard McGuirk named former United States National Team member and four-time collegiate All-American as the University's first women's wrestling coach on April 20, 2018.
Dierken brings a plethora of wrestling experience to the Gannon program. Nationally-renowned for her performance on the mat, Dierken qualified for the World Team Trials five times (2008-13) and competed in the 2012 Olympic Trials. She was also a two-time Senior National Team member, representing the USA in tournaments and training camps domestically and internationally from 2009-2011.
"We are very excited to welcome Christen to the Gannon family," said Lisa Goddard McGuirk upon Dierken's hiring. "Her experience, coaching philosophy and wrestling expertise are impressive. Christen will be a tremendous addition to our department and community."
Dierken started her wrestling career as a high school freshman after her older brother, Mike Lilly, convinced her to give it a try. She became the first and only female to wrestle all four years at Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton, California where she was coached by her older brother's former coach, James Valenzuela, who has since also coached two other family members. Following graduation, she earned a scholarship to wrestle at the University of Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky. Dierken proceeded to become a four-time All-American, including a pair of national runner-up performances. She placed among the nation's top six all four years as a Patriot.
"My family and I are extremely excited to join the Gannon family and be a part of pioneering women's wrestling in the state of Pennsylvania," said Dierken upon her hiring. "I am eager to begin working with our student-athletes in their development as champions not just in athletics, but in their academics, spiritual life and personal character.
"I hope to make a positive impact in the lives of our student-athletes and the local community. I am so blessed and grateful for this opportunity to follow my God-given passion (wrestling) to make a difference in lives and minister to the needs of others."
Dierken's collegiate career featured two national championships, including titles at the Fila Junior National Championships and University National Championships. In addition, she captured a pair of Pan-American Championship silver medals. In 2010, Dierken won the international competition and NYAC tournament. She was a four-time U.S. Open All-American and three-time University National All-American. Academically, Dierken was a member of the Spanish Honor Society at the University of Cumberland from 2009-11.
Dierken began her collegiate coaching career at the University of Cumberland following graduation, serving as a women's wrestling graduate assistant coach from 2011-13. She was part of a staff that coached 18 All-Americans, six U.S. Open placewinners and a pair of national runner-ups during a two-year time span. Dierken's responsibilities included recruiting, practice oversight, administrative duties, workout plans, and travel plans. She currently serves as a Specialist in the Army National Guard and Physical Education teacher at A.M. Yealey Elementary School in Florence, Kentucky.
