BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Cierra Dillard has always been one to never give up and these days, that motto is stronger than ever.
"I'm just happy to have that experience and to be grateful for everything I've gone through," Dillard said.
It's been a busy two months for the former University at Buffalo basketball star.
In April, Dillard made school history by being the program's first player selected in the WNBA Draft. She later attended training camp with the Minnesota Lynx but that road came to an end when she was waived. She was then picked up by the Los Angeles Sparks but that road too, came to an end.
With the WNBA season in full swing, Dillard is now back in Western New York, playing the waiting game.
"I met some amazing people who all complimented my game, kept me in high spirits and I'll be back," she said. "I'm gonna continue fighting, never give up, and continue to push not only for myself but for the future ones coming up."
Inspiring that younger generation is important to Dillard which is why she's been speaking in classrooms and spreading one simple message.
"You can be who you are and still make it and still fight back and claw back from anything life throws at you," she said. "Life is unfair but you can still fight back and that's what I want to tell people."
Dillard continues to fight and is ready to play again. Her agent is talking to some teams overseas as they determine the best fit. It's an option that will allow Dillard to keep playing, better her game and provide for her mother.
"She's been my rock and that's why I want to provide for her," Dillard said about her mom. "She's never let me down and she's given me the wise learning curve of everything."
Until that next major decision is made, Dillard will continue to train, continue to explore her options and continue to believe that the best is yet to come.
"I want to continue to have that positive spirit, that positive upside of you're still getting blessed and motivate people," she said. "People are going to see Cierra Dillard in the world."
