A dream was fulfilled August 7 at Heritage Christian Academy when the Piercy twins signed their names on a packet of papers making them the newest members of the University of Tennessee Southern basketball players.
Daughters of Dan and Sandra Piercy, Kyla and Beraya began their basketball journey as three year old’s and moved to J. Frank White Academy and through many travel ball teams and schools before getting the glorious chance to make a decision as to where their careers would continue.
A love of the University of Tennessee and legendary Pat Summit fueled them and they worked relentlessly towards that goal; however, a visit to UT Southern was all it took for both to want the chance to play on that campus.
Kyla said this, “We wanted to play for Summit at UT but didn’t quite reach that goal but UT Southern was the next best fit and when we walked on the campus it seemed more like a perfect fit. ”
Kyla is working towards being a Nurse Practitioner and a psychologist. Her dream job would be with Children’s Hospital or similar situation.
Beraya said this, “It was such a good feeling there and when I met the staff they were great and it felt right. I am so excited to get started and to be with my sister.”
Her major of studies include biology and pre-med and she wants to one day turn that into a dermatologist career.
Both young women would like to thank God, mom and dad, all their many coaches, church family, family and friends.
Parents Dan and Sandra said this about seeing them move on, “Its been their dream and they worked hard to get here. We love their choice and it wasn’t an easy one because of how many offers they had. We are proud of their integrity and we know have been blessed. We feel God sent them to UT Southern.”
Firehawks assistant coach Gabrielle Smith likes their newest members, “They are very good players but even better people. We are excited to have them and to see what great potential they hold.”
A former coach, Dorian Williams said, “They are two beautiful kids who have grown a lot and they are very disciplined and have shown tremendous growth over the years. I can’t wait to see them play there.”
The Piercy twins both hold records and tremendous stats at J. Frank White Academy but their discipline and work ethic is a reason UT Southern decided to make an offer.
