The heart of our Durham YMCA is our members, volunteers and staff. While valued members of our Y family come from all backgrounds, the versatility of opportunities is especially apparent in the stories of our staff who have been with us through multiple phases of life. Wilson Pierce may officially be on record as a personal trainer, but he is so much more to our members and makes us stronger in every sense of the word!
"My Y journey began as a child, coming to the downtown YMCA with my grandma where I now work. I learned to swim here and was on the swim team. After I stopped taking part in the swim team, I started spending a lot of time in the weight room area. For Christmas one year I asked my grandma if she would buy me sessions with a personal trainer, and I just never stopped training.
"At the same gym I work in now I fell in love with weight lifting and how the body works. That was about twenty years ago, and I'm proud and honored to work in the same gym and with the same people I grew up with.
"I originally applied to the YMCA as a wellness attendant and then began working here as a personal trainer, although I really like to think of myself as a weightlifting coach. It made sense; what else would I do? Over the years my focus has switched from training myself to helping others achieve their goals. That's what I love about working at the YMCA - connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds and helping them feel safe, loved, and cared about, even if it's only for an hour at a time.
"What I really get to do is offer a bubble of time where people can leave their fear, anger and anxiety and come have fun with a friend. In this way, my job has become a lot less about weightlifting and more about supporting people, and that's a good thing."
Wilson really lights up when talking about the Y's partnership in hosting a Special Olympics powerlifting team:
"This wasn't an opportunity that I pursued, but one that I was given, which makes it even more special to me and shows just what kind of place the Y is.
"Originally, a long-time member approached me and let me know he was looking for a facility to train the Special Olympics powerlifting team, and so I spoke to my boss, Katie Belusa, to see if we could use the downtown weight room. I didn't know then how special the team would become for me, and I told the coach that I might help out - if I had time - during the first practice.
"From that very first practice, I had an amazing time and not only because it was a ton of fun, but because my guys are some of the most caring, thoughtful and supportive friends I could ever ask for. I instantly gained seven best friends. I learned from them not only how to be a good friend, but that you support and build others up simply because it's something you do. Never have I met people so instantly caring without restrictions.
"Not to mention, they are some of the best athletes I have ever trained. They put all their faith and trust in me, and are engaged and appreciative in ways that my other athletes seldom are. They have drive, determination and years of experience, so when we get in the gym, we not only have fun and take very good care of each other, but we also push each other.
"My athletes push me to become a better coach and a better friend, and that's easy with an all-star team."
Wilson embodies everything that the YMCA stands for. He is kind and compassionate, helpful and patient, and treats everyone with dignity and respect. His passion for helping others live happy, healthy lives is apparent from the moment you meet him and he is an important part of our YMCA family!” -Katie Belusa, Healthy Living Director
