Practical experience learned as the head coach of WVU club baseball, along with advice from faculty mentors, has helped an athletic coaching education graduate land a job in North Dakota. Jeff Pierce graduated this May with an emphasis in strength conditioning.
In early August 2015 he received a call from Williston State in Williston, ND to become the new assistant baseball coach and strength conditioning coordinator in the athletic department.
“I have family and friends who have been very supportive over my life and I received nothing but positive encouragement with getting this position in North Dakota so far from home (Syracuse, NY),” Pierce explained.
Pierce spent his summers as a pitching coach for the New York college baseball league with the Syracuse Jr. Chiefs. The combined experience Pierce received with the WVU club baseball team, Syracuse Jr. Chiefs and guidance from CPASS faculty, helped prepare him for this next step in his coaching career.
“All of the CPASS faculty helped me out over my four years at WVU,” he said.
Whether it was in the classroom or in his career choice, the faculty gave Pierce advice that he would carry with him throughout his life. Clayton Kuklick, CPASSteaching assistant professor, had a major impact on Pierce.
“If I were to pick one mentor, it would be Dr. Kuklick. He had a background in the same fields I was looking to get in to and he helped me become a better coach. Whether it was talking about different coaching styles, how certain situations could be approached or breaking down different elements of the sport, he helped me get to the next level with coaching,” Pierce said.
“I’m proud of Jeff’s development as a coach and couldn’t be happier for him. I wish him all the best in his new position,” said Kuklick.
According to Pierce, the ACE program did not “spoon feed” their students. Faculty members encouraged students to think on their own and not rely on others to solve problems for them.
“The best part about the ACE program is that it made you think,” Pierce said. “Each class made you do assignments where you had to problem solve and figure things out on your own.”
Pierce knew it would take hard work and dedication to get where he is today. With the help of his family, friends, the Syracuse Jr. Chiefs, WVU and the ACE program he has finally landed a position for which he has worked so hard.
“For students at WVU, you need to know that this profession is not just going to class; you have to work at it everyday to get better,” Pierce added.