Vilace (Ward) Pearson – Class of 1976

Vilace, fondly referred to as Lacie, (Ward) Pearson’s life is a remarkable journey of passion and dedication both to the sport of running and to the countless lives she has positively impacted along the way. Born with an innate love for athletics, Lacie’s path was shaped early on by pivotal experiences and mentors who recognized her potential, helping her transform challenges into triumphs.

One of Lacie’s earliest and most treasured memories from her time at Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) was being part of the Student Council that chose the school colors and mascot for the newly established high school. “We decided on three choices to offer the student body to vote on: Black and White Mustangs, Purple and White Panthers, and Maroon and Gold Trojans,” she recalls. Lacie was a fervent supporter of the Maroon and Gold Trojans, and her joy was palpable when this choice won the student vote. This experience cemented her deep connection to PVHS, a bond that remains strong to this day. Years later, during a close basketball game at Lincoln County, Lacie encountered the PVHS girls’ basketball team. After the game, she couldn’t resist joining their chant of “We’re #1!” with her own “Pahrump Rules!” before proudly proclaiming her PVHS heritage, much to the delight of the team.

Lacie’s introduction to running came somewhat unexpectedly during her eighth-grade year at Pahrump Middle School. The new basketball coach, Pat Inch, decided to get his team in shape for the winter season by introducing a fall running regimen. Although running was not initially her focus, Lacie’s desire to excel and earn a spot on a running trip led her to quickly demonstrate her natural talent by finishing eighth out of 30 boys. This achievement prompted Coach Inch to include her in the next trip to compete in a road race in Las Vegas, where she continued to impress and ignite her passion for the sport. “It was the beginning of what would feel like a ‘Cinderella at the Ball’ 8th grade year for me,” Lacie reminisces.

That year, Lacie’s running success continued to grow, culminating in her completing a half marathon as an eighth grader—a remarkable feat that showcased her early passion and endurance. This milestone, along with her success in road races, marked a significant transformation for her. The confidence she gained from winning races helped her overcome the relentless bullying she had endured the previous year. “When I began to win road races, I gained confidence, and things began to change,” she explains. Lacie’s newfound confidence led her to run for student council secretary, where she won and began to find her place among her peers. The bullies who once targeted her soon realized she was no longer an easy target.

Despite her early success in running, Lacie faced significant challenges, particularly in her freshman year at Death Valley High School. At the time, PVHS did not yet exist, so she and other students were bused to Shoshone, California, for high school. When Lacie expressed her desire to join the track team, the male coach dismissed her request with disdain, stating that girls were not allowed on the team. This rejection was especially heartbreaking for Lacie, who had already set a high school state record in the 880-yard race as an eighth grader. The impact of Title Nine had not yet fully reached the school, and both the coach and Lacie were unaware of the new rules of equality for female athletes.

However, Lacie’s determination never wavered. The following year, she joined the inaugural track team at PVHS and had the opportunity to compete against the same coach who had previously denied her. She delighted in showing him what he had missed out on the previous year. As a sophomore, Lacie not only joined the team but also became PVHS’s first state champion by winning the 880-yard race. This achievement was particularly significant given the limitations placed on female athletes at the time; the 880 was the farthest distance girls were allowed to run. Frustrated by these restrictions, Lacie continued to push boundaries. In her junior year, she set a state record in the newly allowed mile, a record she would go on to break herself in her senior year, running a 5:45 on dirt, which she notes would be about a 5:35 on today’s improved tracks.

Lacie’s remarkable high school career did not go unnoticed. In 2010, she was inducted into the Pahrump Valley High School Hall of Fame, a testament to her extraordinary achievements as an athlete and her lasting impact on the school’s athletic legacy. This honor recognized not only her success on the track but also her role as a trailblazer for female athletes at PVHS.”It actually did feel pretty special to be a State Record Holder,” Lacie reflects, a testament to the lasting impact of her high school achievements.

After high school, Lacie’s love for running continued to flourish. She ran cross country at Utah State, further honing her skills and deepening her commitment to the sport. Although she did not earn a degree, choosing instead to marry and start a family, Lacie continued to compete in road races across Southern California and Las Vegas. One of her proudest achievements was running a 1:28:28 half marathon in Las Vegas just before turning 30, all while raising four children.

In 1997, Lacie and her husband, Keith, moved to Panaca, Nevada, seeking relief from the intense Las Vegas summer heat and a quieter life for their growing family. They settled in Lincoln County, where they owned a ranch in the mountains. The couple soon became deeply involved in the local community, particularly through coaching their daughter’s Little League softball team. Both Lacie and Keith had been fast-pitch softball pitchers in various city leagues, making the transition to coaching a natural fit. “We discovered that coaching softball was a blast,” Lacie shares, recounting their journey from Little League coaches to eventually taking on the role of Panaca Little League President.

Lacie’s coaching journey at Lincoln County High School (LCHS) began when Henry Frehner, the future head track and field coach, asked her to be his assistant coach in 2006. Despite the challenges of taking on such a significant role, Lacie thrived under Coach Frehner’s mentorship, particularly when he gave her carte blanche over the distance program. “It was very challenging, but also very rewarding,” Lacie recalls. She served as an assistant coach for four years before stepping down due to unresolvable conflicts with a new head coach. However, her passion for coaching never waned, and when LCHS started a cross country program in 2012, Coach Frehner once again approached Lacie to take the helm as head coach.

At first, Lacie was hesitant about accepting the role, but just two weeks into the season, she knew she had made the right decision. “I loved the job from that very first day!” she exclaims. Lacie was particularly drawn to the students’ commitment to the grueling demands of cross country running. “There is something really special about kids who are willing to run the distances that cross country demands of them,” she explains, praising their immeasurable dedication.

In 2014, Lacie was offered the position of head track and field coach at LCHS, a role she embraced with the same enthusiasm and dedication she had shown throughout her coaching career. Over the past 11 years, Lacie has found immense joy in working with new students each season and watching them grow as athletes and individuals. However, the role has not been without its challenges, particularly when it comes to dealing with parents. “The most challenging part of my job as a coach has been the parents,” Lacie admits, though she is quick to share it has only been a handful of challenging ones and she expressed her gratitude for the many supportive and grateful parents she has worked with over the years.

One of Lacie’s most satisfying accomplishments as a track coach came in 2017 when her team tied for the state championship with White Pine High School. “It was the sweetest and most exciting moment to be called to the podium as Co-State Champs with White Pine,” she recalls. The victory was made even sweeter by the fact that it had been 25 years since LCHS had won a track and field state championship, and 75 years since White Pine had claimed the title.

Lacie’s tenure as the head coach for Lincoln County High School’s cross country team has been marked by a series of notable achievements, particularly in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. In 2022, her team delivered an outstanding performance that brought them to the brink of a state championship, only to be edged out by a single point by their perennial rival, North Tahoe. This narrow defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after the incredible effort her athletes had put into the season. “Ouch, that hurt,” Lacie reflects, underscoring the emotional intensity of coming so close to a long-sought victory. Despite the disappointment, the experience only deepened the team’s resolve and laid the groundwork for future success.

The following year, Lacie and her team faced unforeseen challenges as three of their top five runners fell ill during the critical state competition, including two who were sidelined with COVID-19. These setbacks significantly impacted the team’s performance, resulting in a third-place finish at the state level—a respectable outcome given the circumstances, but still short of their ultimate goal. However, this adversity did not dampen Lacie’s optimism or her faith in her athletes. She praises their resilience and determination, noting how the experience has further bonded the team and strengthened their commitment to excellence.

Despite these challenges, the 2023 season also brought moments of triumph. The team achieved a perfect score of 15 at the Regional Championship—a rare and remarkable feat that underscored their dominance at that level. This accomplishment, combined with Lacie being named the “2023 Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year” for the entire state of Nevada across all divisions, speaks to her exceptional leadership and the high caliber of her coaching. As Lacie looks ahead, she remains confident that her team has what it takes to clinch a state championship in the near future. “We have another great chance to win that State Championship,” she says with determination, her eyes set firmly on the prize that has eluded them thus far. The journey continues, but under Lacie’s guidance, it is clear that her athletes are well on their way to achieving greatness. “Wish us luck!” she adds.

Throughout her life, Lacie has been deeply influenced by two key figures: Coach Patrick Inch, who introduced her to running and helped her escape the bullying she experienced in middle school, and Coach Henry Frehner, who recognized her coaching potential and entrusted her with significant responsibilities early in her career. “Thank you, Coach Frehner!” Lacie says, acknowledging the profound impact he has had on her life.

Lacie’s coaching philosophy is grounded in humility, hard work, and respect for her athletes. “Stay humble and work hard,” she advises, emphasizing the importance of class and professionalism both on and off the field. She believes that a successful team is one that garners respect, regardless of where they finish on the podium. “Without their athletes, they don’t have a coaching job,” she notes, underscoring the vital relationship between coach and student.

In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Lacie and her husband have spent the past 13 years caring for their learning-disabled nephew, a role they have embraced with compassion and dedication. They also cared for his mother, who was also learning-disabled, until her passing. These experiences reflect Lacie’s deep sense of service and commitment to her family and community.

Lacie and Keith have been married for 46 years, raising six children and welcoming 26 grandchildren into their family, with one great-grandchild on the way. Their home in Panaca is a hub of family activity, where Sunday dinners have become a cherished tradition. “We get to enjoy our children and grandchildren once a week in our home, which is a delight and helps balance work and family life,” Lacie shares. This strong family bond is a source of joy and fulfillment for Lacie, who has coached four of her grandchildren, three of whom also work for the family construction business, and even earned the playful nickname “Boss Grandma Coach.”

As Lacie looks to the future, her primary goal is to win a state championship in cross country before she retires from coaching. She has already begun mentoring her assistant coach, Henry Frehner’s son, preparing him to take over when the time comes. “I have come full circle,” Lacie reflects, noting the significance of passing on her knowledge to the next generation of coaches.

Lacie Pearson’s life is a testament to the power of finding your passion, and the impact one person can have on the lives of many. Through her dedication to running, coaching, and her community, she has left an indelible mark on those she has encountered, inspiring future generations to strive for greatness both on and off the track.