West Liberty, W.Va. - Few Hilltoppers have left a mark on West Liberty University track & field quite like Alexis (Montes) Pierro. A two-time NCAA Division II All-American in the javelin and one of the most accomplished throwers in program history, Pierro's impact on the Hilltop continues well beyond her competitive career.

A standout from John Marshall High School, Pierro competed for West Liberty from 2012–16, where she developed into a national-caliber athlete under the guidance of head coach David Bell. Her dedication and relentless pursuit of improvement culminated in back-to-back first-team All-America honors at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships in 2015 and 2016.

Pierro rose to the occasion on collegiate track's biggest stage, earning All-America recognition both seasons with personal-best throws. She became West Liberty's first NCAA Division II track & field All-American in 2015 after finishing seventh at the national meet in Allendale, Michigan, with a then-school-record throw of 158 feet, 10 inches. One year later, she raised the bar again, placing seventh at the 2016 championships at the IMG Academy Complex with a career-best throw of 167 feet, 7 inches—nearly nine feet beyond her previous school record—against one of the deepest javelin fields in Division II history.

A three-time NCAA Division II All-Region selection, Pierro consistently proved herself among the nation's elite, competing against multiple repeat All-Americans and national champions during her career.

Away from competition, Pierro earned her undergraduate degree in Physical & Health Education before going on to complete a master's degree in Sport Administration at Marshall University. Today, she continues to serve the Hilltop community as the Education Coordinator in West Liberty University's College of Education and Human Performance.

Her connection to West Liberty remains deeply personal.

"It means everything to me," Pierro said. "I owe much of my success to West Liberty University, and I would choose WLU 100 times over. I am incredibly proud of my alma mater and would not be who I am today without the people who supported and guided me during my time there."

Some of her fondest memories include the unmatched atmosphere of WLU–Wheeling Jesuit basketball game days and the tradition of Homecoming on the Hilltop.

"There is no better day on the Hilltop than Homecoming," she said.

When asked what advice she would offer current student-athletes, Pierro didn't hesitate.

"Stay focused and give your best effort now. You will have plenty of time later in life to sleep in, travel, and slow down," she said. "Never be satisfied with your progress. Never! Always push yourself to be the best you can be. Have 'Mamba Mentality.'"

Pierro credits Coach David Bell and teammates Aaron Schneid and Cameron Benson as instrumental figures in her development, both as an athlete and as a person.

From record-setting throws to lifelong connections and continued service to the University, Alexis (Montes) Pierro embodies what it means to be a Timeless Topper—a Hilltopper whose legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Sport
Track & Field – Javelin

Major
B.A. in Physical & Health Education
Master's Degree in Sport Administration – Marshall University

Years at West Liberty
Montes attended West Liberty from 2012–2016.

What She's Doing Now
Pierro currently works in the College of Education and Human Performance as the Education Coordinator at West Liberty University.

Favorite West Liberty Memories

• WLU vs. Wheeling Jesuit basketball game days, when the energy inside the ASRC was unmatched
   

• Attending Homecoming each year and celebrating traditions on the Hilltop
   

Advice to Current Athletes and Students
"Stay focused and give your best effort now. You will have plenty of time later in life to sleep in, travel, and slow down. Never be satisfied with your progress. Never! Always push yourself to be the best you can be. Have 'Mamba Mentality.'"

What It Means to Be a West Liberty Alum
"It means everything to me! I owe much of my success to West Liberty University, and I would choose WLU 100 times over. I am incredibly proud of my alma mater and would not be who I am today without the people who supported and guided me during my time there. Many of the professors who helped me along the way are now some of my closest friends and colleagues."

Most Influential Coaches and Teammates
Pierro credits head coach David Bell and teammates Aaron Schneid and Cameron Benson for helping shape her development as both an athlete and a person.

Career Highlights

• Two-time NCAA Division II First-Team All-American in the javelin (2015, 2016)
   

• First NCAA Division II Track & Field All-American in West Liberty University history
   

• Three-time NCAA Division II All-Region selection
   

• School-record javelin throw of 167 feet, 7 inches at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships
   

• Placed seventh at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships in back-to-back seasons
   

• Consistently competed among the nation's elite in one of the deepest javelin fields in Division II
  
  
  
  West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.