Season Reflection: Plenette Pierson

Liberty forward Plenette Pierson was second on the team in scoring with 12 points per game and led the team with 5.4 rebounds per game as the Liberty's number one interior option this season. Pierson also shot the second highest field goal percentage at 46% and added 2.3 assists in 24.7 minutes per game. Pierson is an undersized post who uses her speed to blow past bigger defenders for drives, yet has the muscle and heart to battle in deep for rebounds. The key to her success is her aggressiveness. She is tremendously tough and will chase offensive rebounds, loose balls and run her lane in transition with impressive effort. Pierson does have the ability to knock down a mid range jumper, however, her outside shot was inconsistent throughout the year, especially after suffering a knee/calf injury in the first half of the season that forced her to miss over a month's worth of games. Pierson started the season with a bang, grabbing rebounds and scoring until she was sidelined with the leg injury. Pierson returned after the Olympic break with solid early performances, however, fatigue may have played a factor as she strung together a few rough games over a tough stretch on the road. Post injury, Pierson described her play as "tentative" and "not her usual aggressive self." One thing Pierson could always be counted on to bring to the game was heart and toughness. When Plenette was fired up, the team followed. By Ros Gold-Onwude

Post Season Chat with Plenette:

What's next for you?
I'm going home to Atlanta for three or four days before I leave and play overseas in Slovakia. It'll be my first time there so I'm looking forward to it, and I think it will be a good opportunity for me. It will be my first time playing in the Euro-League.

What grade would you give yourself this season?
I'd say a B-or C+. I think I could have done more. Before my injury I think I started out great and on a good pace. After that, I didn't feel completely myself, I was more tentative, it took me a while to get back to being the aggressive me. I came into the season with a lot of momentum. Came off of a good overseas season, winning a championship, I was in shape and had a lot of confidence. The injury was definitely a setback.

What did you find out about yourself this season?
I found out that I can be a great leader. I was forced to take on a new role, maybe one that I'm not always in. And I know now. I can lead. And people will follow.

What does the team need to do to improve for next season?
We should all take the time overseas to work on our games and our mental toughness. I think mental toughness was something we lacked sometimes.

What will you work on in the offseason?
I'm going to work on being more of an all around player- my ball handling, my shooting, and also my mental toughness, too.

What should all Liberty post players do to improve this offseason?
We have to go overseas and focus on rebounding.

As you get ready for your overseas season, what will you miss most?
The fans. They were great this season. They had our backs. It's tough to commute to Newark and I understand that and appreciate that. I hope they continue to come for one more season!

What's your message to the fans?
Look forward to a better, more aggressive team and Plenette!