Pierce will be in charge of both the men’s and women’s cross country and track & field programs.
“I’m thankful,” Pierce said. “I’m grateful to (Hampton President Dr. William R.) Harvey for looking at the leadership I’ve shown over the years and offering me this opportunity.
Pierce’s Lady Pirates have enjoyed much success during his tenure; most recently, Hampton swept the MEAC women’s cross country, indoor track & field, and outdoor track & field titles this past season.
During Pierce’s tenure, the Lady Pirates have won four MEAC cross country titles (2004, 2006, 2010-11), nine indoor track & field championships (2003-09, 2011-12), and eight outdoor track & field titles (2003-04, 2006-10, 2012).
Pierce has coached five NCAA champions while at Hampton; Francena McCorory won three NCAA crowns in the 400-meter dash (2009 indoor, 2010 indoor, 2010 outdoor), while Yvette Lewis took a pair of NCAA titles in the triple jump (2006 indoor, 2007 outdoor).
There have been 17 All-America selections under Pierce; most recently, four Lady Pirates earned All-America Honorable Mention honors this past outdoor season. Senior Benita Taylor earned the honor in the 800-meter run and 4×400-meter relay, while senior Claudia Calder, sophomore Emmy Fraenk, and freshman Cassandra Jones were named Honorable Mention in the 4×400-meter relay.
Prior to coming to Hampton, Pierce served as an assistant coach at Maryland Eastern Shore (1998-99), and as a volunteer women’s assistant coach at Norfolk State (1995-98). While at UMES, Pierce coached two MEAC champions.
While at Norfolk State, Pierce was instrumental in helping the Spartans win two CIAA championships and coached over 15 CIAA champions, four NCAA Division II qualifiers and one Olympian (Rachelle Thomas, who competed in the 4×100- and 4×400-meter relays for the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1996). Read Full
