Clarion University Sports Hall of Fame
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Degree: Accounting
Nicolina "Nikki" (DiLoreto) Pierce was a two-time NCAA Division II National Champion and a three-time NCAA runner-up in the breaststroke, a 21-time NCAA All-American, a multiple-time PSAC champion in individual and relay events in her 4-year career at Clarion under Hall of Fame coach Bill Miller. In her freshman year in 1997 Nikki placed 2nd at NCAA's in the 200 breaststroke with a Clarion record time of 2:21.47, was a 4-time All-American and was voted the PSAC Rookie of the Year. In 1998 she won her first NCAA D-II title in the 100 breaststroke (1:05.66) edging Clarion HOF Christina Tillotson. She was also second in the 200 breast and earned 4 A-A honors helping Clarion to a 3rd place team finish at nationals. In 1999 Nikki won the 200 breaststroke at NCAA's with a record time of 2:19.50, and was 2nd in the 100 breast with a Clarion record time of 1:04.85- helping Clarion to a 4th place finish at the NCAA's. Team captain her senior year in 2000, she was 4th in the 200 breast, 5th in the 100 breast and 6th in the 200 I.M., on her way to 7 A-A placings and leading the Eagles to a 4th place finish at nationals. Clarion won PSAC titles in 1997, 98 and 2000. A native of Erie, Pa. and a 1996 grad of McDowell High, at the time of her induction she was a Realtor with Howard Hanna in Erie. Husband Dan Pierce was also an outstanding swimmer at Clarion. The couple has daughter Alexandra and sons Nicolin, Camden and Deacon.
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