Hall of Fame coach, teacher, author Carl Pierson dies of cancer
Published author, Hall of Fame coach and beloved teacher Carl Pierson has died following a lengthy battle with cancer. Pierson's death was confirmed Saturday by Waconia Public Schools.
"It is with great sadness that we share the news that Waconia High School social studies teacher and former girls basketball coach Carl Pierson has passed away after courageously fighting esophageal cancer," the statement reads.
"Carl was a beloved colleague, teacher, friend, and coach to many in the Waconia Public Schools community. Carl taught and coached in several school districts during his 26-year career, but found a home in Waconia in 2011. He was passionate about teaching U.S. Government to high school students and also served as head girls basketball coach from 2011-2019. In 2022, he was inducted into the Minnesota Girls Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Pierson authored two books during his career, including 'The Politics of Coaching' and 'The Other Side of Glory,' which chronicles the 2019-20 Waconia girls’ basketball season."
Pierson's coaching career spanned 17 seasons at four different schools, the last eight at Waconia. His career record of 133-89, including a 2014 team that set and still holds the state record for points per game when they averaged 92.5 points every time they stepped on the court.
"His legacy as an outstanding educator, Coach, community leader, author, MGBCA leader, and family man will have lasting impact on all he those he taught, coached, mentored, led, and loved," the Minnesota Boys Basketball Coaches Association announced in tribute to Pierson.
Pierson's book "The Other Side of Glory" features the 2019-20 Waconia girls basketball team that reached the state tournament.
Pierson, who also served on the Waconia City Council, leaves behind his wife, Jean, and two sons, Boston and Colton.
