Kiannah Pierce hits first career home run against Kent State after long journey back to field

With two outs, a runner on first and North Carolina ahead 6-2, Kiannah "Kiwi" Pierce stepped up to the plate.

On the second pitch, she smashed the ball. It flew out toward center field.

Gone.

“I was never focused on hitting a home run,” Pierce said. “It was more just do a job, pass it back to my teammates, and so it happened to go over and it feels really good that it went over.” 

In North Carolina's 12-5 win over Kent State on Saturday afternoon in the Mizuno Showdown at Anderson Stadium, the graduate designated hitter blasted her first career home run in four years at UNC. It was a cathartic moment. Two years ago, Pierce's softball career flashed before her eyes. Her journey back onto the field was never certain.

Pierce began her career as a Tar Heel in 2021, starting in 21 games and having the second-highest batting average on the team with .328. Her growth continued into her sophomore season, where she made 40 starts and recorded 33 hits.

But Pierce’s progress came to a halt her junior year.

Trying to come back from concussions, Pierce’s mental health started to decline. She decided it was best to take a step back from the sport and redshirted her junior season.

Finally back on the field for her senior year, disaster struck.

On Sept. 21, 2023, Pierce was driving her moped home when she was hit by a car. She was rushed to the emergency room.

She was admitted to the hospital for two days. Pierce had blown her knee out — completely shattering her kneecap — and had reconstructive surgery which included a full patellar tendon repair. 

Following the accident, Pierce thought about her future.

“When I came back in January [2024], I had a conversation with Coach Smith about never suiting up ever again,” Pierce said. “So being able to work back and have her support and the team's support, that’s been the only reason I keep going.” 

Sophomore outfielder Sanaa Thompson remembers Pierce going through the recovering process and working hard in the training room for rehab. It makes Thompson, and the team, feel like if Pierce can come back from something like that, then they can do anything. 

“For her to have that moment, it’s like I want to cry,” Thompson said. “I was like, wow, you just feel so proud, so happy for her.”

Despite her tumultuous career, Pierce continues to show up for her teammates. She gives it her all when she’s in the box because she’s giving it her all to even play again.

Home runs are normal for Pierce in a practice setting, so much so that head coach Megan Smith Lyon didn’t even realize this was her first in a game.

“That’s Kiwi,” Lyon said. “I know she’s gonna do great things when she’s up in the box, so I’m super excited.”

The head coach said Pierce's level-headedness, consistency in the box and attitude has made her reliable and trustworthy both on and off the field. 

This moment didn’t just exemplify the hard work Pierce has put in this offseason, but also signified the incredible journey of her comeback.

Pierce makes sure to tell her teammates and coaches that she wouldn’t be as motivated or excited to play without their support every day. She’s never had so much love poured into her.

It makes it easier to go up and hit the ball, sometimes even out of the park. 

"I’ve been excited for her for every moment this season," Lyon said. "Because when you think those moments aren’t going to come again, they’re all so special."

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