Outdoor
Track & Field V.42
May 8th, 2023
Mia Pierce
Laurel Highlands
Senior
Events: Javelin, Discus, & Shot Put
College:Duquesne University
Mia Pierce
Laurel Highlands
Senior
Events: Javelin, Discus, & Shot Put
College:Duquesne University
When did you first become interested in track and field?
I grew up around the sport at a young age watching my sister compete, so it always sparked my interest. In 5th grade, I started going to track camps held at our school. In middle school, I was a long and triple jumper and ran the 4x4 but ended my season tearing my ACL. After coming off knee surgery, it was questionable whether it’d be a good idea for me to jump again, which is how I got into the throwing events my sophomore year.
When did you first become interested in track and field?
I grew up around the sport at a young age watching my sister compete, so it always sparked my interest. In 5th grade, I started going to track camps held at our school. In middle school, I was a long and triple jumper and ran the 4x4 but ended my season tearing my ACL. After coming off knee surgery, it was questionable whether it’d be a good idea for me to jump again, which is how I got into the throwing events my sophomore year.
What is your favorite track and field memory?
My favorite track and field memory was the 2022 PIAA state meet. On my very first discus throw in prelims, I PR’d by 9 feet from my previous PR. It’s usually a rare occurrence for me that my first throw is my best one. After not going to states the previous year, it was a bittersweet feeling to earn a 4th place state medal.
What is your favorite track and field memory?
My favorite track and field memory was the 2022 PIAA state meet. On my very first discus throw in prelims, I PR’d by 9 feet from my previous PR. It’s usually a rare occurrence for me that my first throw is my best one. After not going to states the previous year, it was a bittersweet feeling to earn a 4th place state medal.
How do you stay motivated during training?
During training, I remind myself to think of why I’m doing what I am. To be great and reach my goals, I know it requires putting in the extra hours of training. I remind myself of my goals and the steps it takes to reach those.
How do you stay motivated during training?
During training, I remind myself to think of why I’m doing what I am. To be great and reach my goals, I know it requires putting in the extra hours of training. I remind myself of my goals and the steps it takes to reach those.
What is the most challenging aspect of being a track and field athlete?
Being that track and field is an individual sport, it is easy to put a lot of pressure on yourself. It’s not always easy to pick yourself up when you aren’t having your best day, and it takes a lot to persevere through those moments.
What is the most challenging aspect of being a track and field athlete?
Being that track and field is an individual sport, it is easy to put a lot of pressure on yourself. It’s not always easy to pick yourself up when you aren’t having your best day, and it takes a lot to persevere through those moments.
What makes track and field a unique sport?
The unique part about track and field is how it is an individual sport. Each day is an opportunity to better yourself, and it is always a great feeling getting a personal record, knowing your own hard work paid off.
What makes track and field a unique sport?
The unique part about track and field is how it is an individual sport. Each day is an opportunity to better yourself, and it is always a great feeling getting a personal record, knowing your own hard work paid off.
What is the most important thing you have learned about yourself through track and field?
I have learned to be patient with myself and understand that every day isn’t going to be my best. I have learned to not let my bad practices/meets define the athlete I am. It’s easy to feel defeated after these bad days, but what makes a successful athlete is learning to push through these moments.
Pa Milesplit
What is the most important thing you have learned about yourself through track and field?
I have learned to be patient with myself and understand that every day isn’t going to be my best. I have learned to not let my bad practices/meets define the athlete I am. It’s easy to feel defeated after these bad days, but what makes a successful athlete is learning to push through these moments.
Pa Milesplit
Mia is an exceptional athlete who has proven herself to be a versatile thrower in the WPIAL. She is currently ranked 2nd in Javelin, 3rd in Discus, & 3rd in Shot Put in the AAA girls WPIAL rankings. Mia is truly the most complete thrower in the WPIAL and has a personal best this season of 17.29 in the 100 hurdles. After her impressive 4th place finish in the AAA girl’s discus at the PIAA Track and Field Championships, Mia has been on a mission in 2023. She has already won the Fayette County Shot Put, Discus, & Javelin and the Baldwin Invitational Javelin, which shows her commitment to excellence. It wouldn't be surprising if Mia hits marks of 40’ in the Shot Put & 140’ in the Javelin and Discus later this season because of her incredible talent and determination.
Mia is an exceptional athlete who has proven herself to be a versatile thrower in the WPIAL. She is currently ranked 2nd in Javelin, 3rd in Discus, & 3rd in Shot Put in the AAA girls WPIAL rankings. Mia is truly the most complete thrower in the WPIAL and has a personal best this season of 17.29 in the 100 hurdles. After her impressive 4th place finish in the AAA girl’s discus at the PIAA Track and Field Championships, Mia has been on a mission in 2023. She has already won the Fayette County Shot Put, Discus, & Javelin and the Baldwin Invitational Javelin, which shows her commitment to excellence. It wouldn't be surprising if Mia hits marks of 40’ in the Shot Put & 140’ in the Javelin and Discus later this season because of her incredible talent and determination.