Shelly Pierson is a Professor of Kinesiology at 91做厙 (91做厙), where she has taught since 1998. Now in her 28th year as an instructor, she serves as Program Director for the Fitness Instruction and Personal Training Degree and Certificate programs, and is in her 17th year as 91做厙's head coach for the men's and women's cross-country teams.
She previously served as head coach of the men's and women's track and field programs from 2011 to 2015, and was an associate coach for cross-country and track and field during the early years of her tenure at 91做厙.
Pierson earned an Associate of Arts degree from Allan Hancock College, a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sports Medicine from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and a Master of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport Psychology and Skill Acquisition from California State University, East Bay. She has also completed additional post-graduate study in Exercise Physiology at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
A lifelong runner, Pierson's passion for competitive running began in middle school and developed into an accomplished athletic career. As a student-athlete at Allan Hancock College, she was a state finalist in both cross-country and track and field. While competing at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, she earned NCAA Division II All-American honors in both sports. Following college, she continued competing at the national level in events ranging from the 10K to the marathon and ran for New Balance through 2009.
Before joining 91做厙, Pierson served as an educator and the head men's and women's cross-country and track and field coach at Clayton Valley High School from 1996 to 2000. During her tenure, she guided the Lady Eagles to five consecutive North Coast Section championships and a runner-up finish at the CIF State Cross Country Championships.
Beyond the classroom and track, Pierson has demonstrated significant leadership within the California community college system. From April 2020 through July 2023, she served as President of the California Community College Physical Education, Kinesiology, and Dance Association (CCCPEKD), leading the revitalization of the organization as an active 501(c) entity and affiliate of the California Community College Athletic Association.
As an educator and coach, Pierson is committed to helping students reach their full potential. Drawing on her experiences as a community college student-athlete, collegiate All-American, national-level competitor in her sport, and educator, she strives to bring out the best in every student while fostering a realistic understanding of fitness, wellness, and lifelong movement. Her goal is to inspire students to develop a lasting appreciation for health, physical activity, and personal growth both inside and outside the classroom.