RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
There’s having a good summer and then there’s blowing up.
You can put senior pitcher Kierston Deal, a member of the Mojo – Fisher team that finished as runners-up at PGF 16U Nationals, in the second category.
In Week 1 of the PGF event, the pitcher threw 62 innings—basically averaging a game per day over eight days—and had a 0.226 ERA against many of the top teams in the nation.
She only gave up two earned runs all week while limited opponents to a skimpy batting average of .121 and recorded 98 strikeouts against just six walks.
Again… in eight games, just two earned runs and only six walks.
That capped a very successful summer for the future Gamecock player who will be staying on the East Coast to play at the next level. In 119.2 innings, Kierston had 201 K’s versus 17 walks and averaged 11 strikeouts per seven innings while her ERA was sub-zero at 0.79.
Her club coach, Josh Fisher, believes the breakthrough star will be hugely successful in whatever she chooses to do.
“I told KD several times this Summer that she is a kid that we will have on a lifetime contract!” he laughs. “I could easily see her being in the dugout with us as a coach, if she chooses to do that down the road.”
“Kierston has all of the intangibles that you look for and she leads by example both on and off of the field. She is one of the first players that we have at all of our tournaments in carring equipment to and from the fields. KD is always out shagging whiffle balls, breaking down equipment, cleaning up the dugout, etc.
Also a high school volleyball with much success there, her club coach nonetheless sees a great future for her on the fields.
“Her best days are ahead of her,” continues Fisher, “and I can’t wait to see her continued progression on and off the field, as we move forward into the Fall of 2021 / Summer of 2022, together. She truly is a youngster, who is trending in the right direction in all phases.”
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Name: Kierston Deal
Hometown/ST: Winston Salem NC
Grad Year: 2022
Positions: P/UT
Club Team: Mojo – Fisher
School (City/ST): East Forsyth High School Kernersville NC
GPA: 4.37
College: South Carolina
Honors/Accomplishments:
2021 Extra Inning Softball High School All-American: Kiersten was named the Central Piedmont Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2021 as the junior had 292 strikeouts in 136 innings pitched and record a strong .644 ERA for the Eagles. She committed to South Carolina last December and is known as a powerful lefty with mid-to-high 60’s head and a good changeup.
Coach’s Comments:
“Kierston is one of, the most talented players and pitchers in America, throughout any and all age divisions of travel ball fastpitch. I believe there are several top travel ball coaches that would say the very same about her. KD is not only one of the best players/ pitchers that Ramsey Harkness and I have been fortunate enough to coach, more importantly, she’s truly an amazing young lady! She is mature well beyond her years. She understands the game and counts to an opposing batter, pitch locations, hitters, etc. Kierston has completely bought into and understands exactly what we as coaches believe in. KD enjoys discussing her innings, by breaking them down in detail, learning opposing hitters, etc. She utilizes her knowledge and understanding of the game, which only helps her success, even more.” – Coach Josh Fisher
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You were impressive all summer… in your mind, what was 1-2 of your favorite moments and/or accomplishments?
One of my favorite moments was in the PGF in California when we had to beat the Birmingham Thunderbolts Rocky twice in one day. We ended up going extra innings in the first game and got a 6-0 lead I think in the second game. When it came down to the last batter of that second game that led us to go to the championship, that feeling of accomplishment was unreal. It was such an amazing feeling. All of us together as one winning that game to put us in one of the best opportunities to go to the national championship was one of my favorite moments. Even though we went on to lose in the championship, we left it all on the field those last two days of play and I couldn’t have been prouder of my team.
When did you first realized you loved softball and wanted to take it into college and maybe beyond?
I knew at a young age that I wanted to play softball just because my mom played softball and basketball in college, so I knew I was going to enjoy it. I went to many softball games when I was little and thought “Man, I want to do something like that” so my mom set up my first pitching lesson. My mentality going in at age 7 was “I want to become the No. 1 pitcher in the state.” I continued to keep setting goals like those that with hard work and dedication I could achieve… college softball was one of them.
What’s been your most memorable softball experience?
I got to play in the Triple Crown USA International Challenge tournament which was an amazing experience to be a part of. I played for the USA Blue team. We ended up winning it as well.
What was the most challenging thing you have had to overcome on or off the field?
I would probably say overcoming an injury. I have struggled with some back problems that have set back some of my goals but with the help of my trainers I have been able to continue to get better and better to overcome that injury.
What would you say are your strengths in softball?
Being able to pitch and being a great teammate. Another strength of mine in softball would be trying to stay positive throughout the game. I also feel like being competitive during the game also helps me be able to stay calm in pressure situations.
*** Scroll down to read more about Kierston and what makes her one of the elite players in the Class of 2022!