Fitchburg State University Director of Athletics Matthew Burke has announced that Laura Pierce has been named head coach of the Women’s Basketball program. Pierce will be the first full-time coach in program history. Along with coaching duties she will handle recreational programming within the University. Pierce comes to the Falcons after serving as an assistant coach/recruiting coordinator at Wheaton College.
“I’d like to thank athletic director Matthew Burke, as well as the entire search committee, for entrusting me with leading the Fitchburg State University Women’s Basketball program,” said Pierce. “I am excited to get to work with the young women to create a culture in which our program makes Fitchburg State proud on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. Falcon Pride!”
During her time at Wheaton College, Pierce worked primarily with the team’s guards fostering individual, group and team chemistry. Her other responsibilities included practice plans, fundraising efforts and developing recruiting schedules for the coaching staff. The team boasted a 2018-19 New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) second team all-conference selection and nine players were tabbed NEWMAC academic all-conference. Previously, Pierce served as an assistant coach at Wesleyan University for two seasons.
“We are thrilled to have Coach Pierce joining our Falcon Family,” said Burke. “Laura understands the importance of mentoring young people and is a great fit for Fitchburg State University. Her enthusiasm and knowledge of the game bring a great deal of optimism about the future of our women’s basketball program.”
Pierce, a three-year captain for the Lyons, finished her career at Wheaton with 622 points, 253 rebounds, 424 assists, and 68 steals in 100 games played (87 starts). Pierce currently ranks third all-time in program history in assists and fifth all-time in three-point field goals made with 121 total.
Pierce earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 2015 from Wheaton College and a graduate degree in liberal studies from Wesleyan University in 2017. In April 2015, Pierce attended the “So You Want to be a Coach” Program at the Women’s Final Four in Tampa, Fla.
Fitchburg State University will kick-off their 2019-20 campaign on Saturday November 9th at Eastern Nazarene College.
Photo Courtesy Fitchburg State Athletics
https://fitchburg.prestosports.com/general/2018-19/releases/20190717dh9v7q
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