Pisgah runner signs with local Division I school
May 22—Pisgah High School senior Sierra Early signed a letter of intent to continue her academics and track and field career at Division I University of North Carolina at Asheville.
"I'm definitely excited," Early said. "I know not everyone gets this opportunity. I'm very thankful I got this opportunity and especially thankful for the people I have met along the way."
Pisgah track and field coach Danny Williamson described it as a special opportunity for Early.
"Any time that we can get our kids an opportunity anywhere, it's great to see that happen," he said.
Competing at a Division I school is a big deal for any athlete.
"I'm excited," Early said. "It means better competition. It's going to push me to be better."
The senior seems primed for the big stage, being the team's best runner in the 800-meter. Early was able to record her best time of the year at the conference championship meet, trimming it down to 2 minutes, 31 seconds.
"For her first three years, she was more of a 400-runner," Williamson said. "We decided to move her up to the 800. When that first started, she ran 2:59. She worked her way all the way down to 2:31."
The mark was the best of the year for the team. Early also holds the team best this year in the high jump at four feet, six inches, but it seems like she will be focusing on the track side of things.
"I think she has found an event she can really excel in," Williamson said.
Early said that she was a big fan of the campus and facilities at UNC Asheville and the people she met on her visit.
"I went on a visit a few weeks ago," she said. "I really liked the campus. I love the coaches and all the athletes. The dorm rooms are nice. The classrooms are really nice."
The location was also a big factor for the track star. UNC Asheville is only a 19-mile drive from Pisgah.
"I don't think I could live too far away from home," Early said. "I'd like to be within an hour's radius of home, so I like it."
Williamson said that while he is very proud of Early, he hopes this is just the beginning of his athletes finding a home at the next level.
"I'm super proud of her," he said. "I'm more happy for her because it is something that she really wanted to do. Hopefully, we have a lot more to follow that get the same opportunity. Maybe she's just the start of it."
