University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Reflect On Read Across America, Spending Time With Local Youths
March 24, 2026 | Softball, Women's Rowing, Student-Athlete Development
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Earlier this month, UNC student-athletes connected with local children by sharing their favorite books in celebration of Read Across America Week. The initiative, led by the National Education Association (NEA), promotes the importance of reading and highlights its benefits for children and young adults. Schools and organizations nationwide participate in events designed to inspire a love of reading and foster literacy in communities.
Softball standout Kiannah Pierce spent time reading to a classroom at Tar Heel School in Tar Heel, N.C., located in Bladen County.Â
"It was a really fun experience for me," Pierce said. "I got to read a Dr. Seuss book that my mom used to read to me and my brothers to a fifth grade class. They were so sweet and brought me so much joy. Being at UNC, I have had the opportunity to give back to my community and I always love to do so. This time it was extra special, as reading is one of my favorite things to do, even still."
Rowing team member Ayda Suing visited the campus daycare, Bright Horizons, where she read to the children as part of the celebration.
"Reading to local kids in the community brightened my day and left me with a deep appreciation for the opportunity," Suing said. "I chose to read Fox in Socks, which was my absolute favorite book when I was a child, so being able to share it with them felt incredible."
"My favorite part of the experience was when the kids started getting excited as the rhymes became faster and more complex," Suing added. "They began saying things like, "This is crazy," "It's going wild," and "He's about to explode!" It was amazing to see how invested they became in such a silly story. For me, reading Fox in Socks was both incredibly challenging, due to the tongue twisters and extremely rewarding."
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