Shelly Pierson has taught at Diablo Valley College for 24 years and is the head coach for the men’s and women’s cross-country teams. She was the head coach for the men’s and women’s track and field teams from 2011-2014.
Pierson earned her associate in arts degree from Allan Hancock College, her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in sports medicine from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo; and her Master of Science degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in sport psychology/skill acquisition from Cal State University Hayward.
She is a former competitive runner and competed in races from 3.000m to 10K in college and 10K marathons at the national level post-college. She was an All-American in college in both track and cross country while running for Cal Poly SLO.
From April 2020 to July 2023, she served as the president of the California Community College Physical Education, Kinesiology, and Dance (CCCPEKD), revitalizing the association as an active and legitimate 501(c) and affiliate organization of the California Community College Athletic Association.
In March 2023, Shelly was presented the California Community College Physical Education Kinesiology and Dance (CCCPEKD) Service Award at the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) “Honoring Our Own” luncheon.