Kiah Fiers always has a smile. Just maybe Fiers was “born positive.”
There is no doubt though: she sees life as full of possibilities.
Fiers’ family and her teammates on the Pepperdine women’s volleyball team appreciate her shining personality. Originally from Palos Verdes Calif. Fiers has two siblings a younger brother Cole14 and an older sister Kelsey 22.
“I love spending time with them Fiers says. Going on camping trips surfing going to the beach and having campfires in our back yard.”
“When Kiah comes home says Fiers’ mother, Gayle, she is content to lay on the grass with her dogs and just let the sun shine on her.”
You see what makes Fiers tick is pretty simple: family friends and volleyball.
“I love to play volleyball Fiers said. I get to do what I love at a
high level every single day and on the weekends.”
Fiers began learning to play volleyball at a young age when her family would take daily trips to the beach. Her parents Gayle and William Fiers both played beach volleyball when they were younger and Gayle continues to play at Redondo Beach.
When Fiers was 9 years old she began to play competitively for a club team. Fiers’ athletic career took off from there.
Gayle Fiers recalls helping her daughter make decisions about volleyball when she was younger. Often the issue regarded what team Fiers played for. Besides that however Kiah has made most decisions.
A senior on Pepperdine’s women’s volleyball team Fiers has held her position as a starter and all-around player her entire student career.
“When it came to playing for Pepperdine Kiah committed before ever talking to us about it Gayle says. Kiah makes her decisions and stands by them to the end.”
Not only does Fiers seem to get along with and love her family members but she extends that closeness with everyone else in her life.
“It is definitely important with whom you spend your time Fiers said. I am glad I was fortunate enough to spend mine with the people I did.”
Fiers added: “I think we have the best coaches in the conference and I love the intensity and accountability they have created for our team.”
Fiers believes the team atmosphere is wonderful and the girls are all fun-loving and hard workers. Fiers has a great time traveling to play the other teams in the conference.
Fiers’ position as the setter entails “setting the ball to the outside hitters or the middle hitters so they can get the kills.” She also runs the offense creates strategic plays plays defense in the back row and serves when she is right back.
The season just completed had many close tough matches including several 5-game marathons. The Waves did not make the NCAA tournament this year but still count it as a successful and rewarding season.
Like most athletes Fiers has dealt with some injuries along the road.
Fiers tore her ACL right before the NCAA tournament at the end of her sophomore year. This was mentally challenging because she was forced to sit around and do nothing.
“If it is difficult it’s all the more reason to try harder and work through the toughness Fiers said. But never ever give up.”
Fiers rarely complained when she was injured and received support from her friends and family members.
“When Kiah has difficult times in her life she tries to look at the whole picture and find the positive in the negative says her mother, Gayle. Sometimes she will realize that it may even be good in the long run.”
Gayle added: “Being a daughter she naturally turns to her mother for words of support and a hug. Kiah likes hugs.”
Volleyball has always been a place where Fiers enjoyed herself and felt content.
“I cannot imagine my four years here at Pepperdine without all the girls I have played with Fiers says. They are what make playing fun.”
Teammate and friend Kristen Seaton agrees.
“Her spirit and cheeriness rubs off on everyone she meets Seaton said. She brings that to court and she is always positive and happy to be playing.
“She always has a smile on her face yet her fight for every ball really leads our team.”
Fiers has acted not only as a dedicated team player but also a role model.
“She is a leader that will accept nothing less than our best effort Seaton explained. Her fight and drive is what keeps us going sometimes.”
Fiers reminds those around her to not stress over the simple things and to enjoy life more.
“Sometimes you need someone to remind you to slow down and enjoy the moment Seaton said. She’s that person for me.”
Seaton believes that Fiers’ “passion for life shines off of her every day.”
Gayle remembers visiting Pepperdine and walking around campus. She recalls that Kiah “must have hugged one out of every five people she saw.”
“Kiah always has a smile for you Gayle says. She is pretty special but of course I say that. I’m her mom.”