When it comes to having character, Alva High School junior Alaina Pierce said it goes hand in hand with being an overall good person. “The qualities of someone with good character include integrity, respect, honesty, self-control, and kindness,” Pierce said. “My coach always quotes that someone’s true character is shown when no one else is watching. It’s crucial to show qualities of good character even when it’s unseen. Sometimes I apply that to how hard I work on my own, when no one else sees. The extra work may be overlooked, but the results will be noticed.”

Pierce is a catcher and an infielder for the Ladybugs fast pitch and slow pitch softball teams, respectively. She also plays post in basketball. “I fell in love with softball at age seven and basketball at eleven,” she said. “Due to COVID, my first ever slow pitch season was last spring and took quite awhile to adjust to, but I was determined to improve. I love to play softball and basketball because it provides a lot of opportunities to learn from and cope with failure and adversity. I enjoy bonding with my team mates and encouraging/building them up. I love team sports because your teammates always have your back. They pick you up when you’re down so the team can go compete. Teammates push you to improve and excel in your own goals, which then helps the whole team to succeed.”

When asked about her free time, Pierce laughed and asked, “What’s free time?”

“I’m my student councils secretary, so I enjoy planning and organizing events including school spirit and philanthropy projects,” she said. “I enjoy music and playing the piano. I am involved in my school’s choir and show choir called Electric Gold. I spend quite a lot of time practicing to audition for WOCDA honor choir and all-state choir. For any real down time I have, I enjoy crafting and and making hands on projects. I also enjoy reading and spending time with my friends and family.”

After high school, Pierce said she plans to pursue a medical degree in education.