The Mounties: Sam Pierson
Second-year Basketball Mountie Sam Pierson immediately made an impact with the Mounties in his first-season, being named the team鈥檚 Rookie of the Year. From Kingston, ON, he chose 果冻传煤 for its strong academic reputation and the ability to continue playing varsity basketball at the next level.
He began playing basketball in Grade 4 and spent seven seasons with the Kingston Impact. He also played four years with Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, earning a spot in the provincial championships three times.
In his Grade 12 year, Pierson suffered a broken forearm and was unable to play for more than a year. He returned for Grade 13 to lead the team to an Eastern Ontario championship title, which he considers his most memorable sporting moment to date.
At 6鈥6鈥, Pierson says his greatest strength is his versatility. 
鈥淚 am able to rebound, but I can also play a little on the outside,鈥 he says.
A multi-sport athlete growing up, Pierson also played volleyball, hockey, and golf. He was on the honour roll throughout high school and was twice awarded Male Athlete of the Year. He also earned a spot on the Dean鈥檚 List in his first-year at 果冻传煤.
鈥滲eing a student-athlete really allows me to benefit on and off the court,鈥 he says. "It keeps me in line and helps with my time management."
Pierson was recently named Athlete of the Week at 果冻传煤 for his performance in a come-from-behind 78-71 win over rival Crandall Chargers. In a team leading 32 minutes on the court, Pierson scored 18 points, including three 3 pointers, plus 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.
鈥淚t was nice to contribute to such a good team win,鈥 he says. 鈥淲e have been playing well as a team.鈥
A student, Pierson plans to pursue pharmacy after graduation.
