Kiannah Pierce: I'm Not Done Yet

I started playing softball when I was around 7 years old, skipping the tee ball stages and jumping right into player pitch games. I was the first baseman and pitcher, but I still remember the first time I took pop-flies in the outfield. I also remember the first time I missed a pop-fly, letting the other team score a run. I knew that was where I was meant to be. I loved being in the last line of defense, the one who could save the day with a laser throw to home plate. I stopped pitching as soon as I could and began to work on foot work and my hand eye coordination.

I took the step into travel-ball around nine, playing for one of the few teams in my area, the Lady Spartans. The pressure of the game increased and I loved it. I was thrilled every time a ball hit my way, or I was the one to come through at the plate when runners were on. I loved knowing that I could be part of something more than myself. I also started to get a lot better at softball, making the switch to being a lefty slapper/hitter and finally feeling like I knew how to hit a ball.

Not long after really finding my groove in the game, I encountered my first set back. When I was in seventh grade, I had to undergo major spinal surgery, resulting in the fusion of two vertebrae, leaving me with two titanium rods and four screws in my back. This was the first time I had to grapple with the future of my career. I was in love with this sport, but the road in front of me to return was long and grueling. About four months after my surgery, I realized that I wanted so badly to play, that I would do whatever it took to get back on the dirt. I was young, determined, and surrounded by more love and support than I ever knew. I made it my goal to play again, and most of all to play so well that I would earn myself a scholarship on a Division One softball team.

So, that is exactly what I did. I worked and worked. I tried out for a team called LTG Lions and was pushed to new heights. I remember showing up my first day of practice and feeling so overwhelmed with the amount of information that I was told. All the things I needed to be better at, get quicker at, learn to do smoother. It felt like I was drowning in corrections, but I knew that this was what I had to do to reach my goal. Time went on, and I started to get much better. I earned myself a starting spot in the outfield and as the leadoff batter for my team. I took pride in being consistent in all areas and making sure my coaches knew that they wanted me in the game.

It was in the summer before my sophomore year of high school that I first got in contact with UNC. They watched me play in a tournament in Southern California and wanted to get to know me. At the time, I remember my brothers being more starstruck than I was… they kept reminding me that I was being recruited by the school that THE Michael Jordan went to, knowing I was not very knowledgeable in the basketball realm. But then I took my first steps on campus here.

On my first visit to UNC, I knew that this was where I was meant to be. This was the place that I wanted my college career to take place. I was just 15 years old when I committed to UNC and decided that Anderson Stadium would be my home for four years.

When I stepped on campus my freshman year, I was eager… I felt like I was ready to take on the world and the game I loved. I tried to hold onto that feeling for as long as I could. Little did I know the journey I would soon embark on.

Looking back, I never thought my career would turn out the way that it did. At this point, I'm sure many of you know the story. I endured so much more than I ever thought I could, I pushed through grief, anxiety, depression, injuries, struggles with coaches, and so much more. I wanted to give up so many times. Yet, there was always a voice in the back of my head, a whisper that longed to find my love for the game again. After my accident and knee surgery, the longing was louder than it had ever been. I couldn't live with my career ending like that, so I didn't. I took charge of my journey, decided to put in the work, cried more times than I thought I ever wanted to admit, and did it.

This past season was nothing short of magical. I have never been prouder of myself and not for the stats that I was able to produce. Not because I was a starter, or because I had a 7 RBI game, not because I threw someone out at home, and not because I hit 19 doubles. I am proud of myself for the person that I have become, for the teammate I have been, and for the love I have found for the game again. I found a coaching staff that instilled confidence and passion in me. I found a team that poured more love into me than I have ever had before. I found the family that I had always imagined I would in my college career. I found myself again, the seven year old me who was so excited to lace up her cleats and that is when I realized that I was just not ready to give it all up yet. There is a fire inside of me that I am not willing to put out yet… and that is why I will be returning for my last season at Carolina.

When I committed to UNC, I knew that my career would start and end here, no matter what it looked like. I have grown to become a Tar Heel bred and I want to see just how far UNC Softball can go. I will be returning for my sixth and final year at Carolina, to be part of something bigger than myself. To play for a coaching staff that expects excellence, and accepts me for who I am. To build a culture of family and love that will continue for years to come. To give my all to this program, day in and day out.
I hope you're not sick of me yet… because I'm back.

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