CLINTON, S.C. – It all began when Courtney Williams was a little girl, trying to forge her own path in a family of four athletic brothers. That spunky six-year-old just wanted to be herself and definitely didn't want to copy her siblings. That's where the sport with the blue, silver, and white ball came in.
Courtney's mother was very influential in supporting her daughter's passion for volleyball. "She taught me not just the physical part, but also the mental part [of the game]," recounted Williams. On long road trips to volleyball tournaments from Courtney's small hometown of Oxford, North Carolina, her mother would encourage her daughter to maintain a positive attitude, win or loss. The coaching staff that Williams surrounded herself with also helped her to stay focused on her goal of playing Division 1 volleyball. "They believed in me, but also pushed me beyond my limits, so that I could keep playing the game that I love."
One of Courtney's first coaches taught her that there are some aspects of sports and life that are outside of one's control. This has helped her succeed not just in volleyball but also in the various student organizations that she is involved in on campus. Learning not to have to control all aspects of a project and to delegate responsibilities to her teammates, classmates, and fellow club members has enabled Courtney to juggle various activities, while still giving maximum effort to the tasks ahead of her. Williams has also leaned on her volleyball family for guidance, including coaches Maddie Moss and Jamie Wilson, who encourage their players to be involved in a variety of campus organizations. "I don't feel trapped or burned out with the amount of organizations I am in," Courtney enthused, "and it keeps me disciplined on the court, as well as off." The student life opportunities that Presbyterian College has provided for Courtney, such as the opportunity to study abroad in Europe with the History Department last May and the ability to serve as a Student Ambassador Coordinator, Pre-Law and History Club President, and National Chapter President of College Against Cancer, has allowed Williams to enjoy her college experience, while being developed into a well-rounded young adult.
This healthy coaching environment and holistic education appears to have paid off, as the senior outside hitter leads the volleyball team with 242 kills, a hitting percentage above .250, and 289 points. Defensively, Courtney is second on the team in blocks, and Williams' blocks per set rank her in the top 10 within the Big South Conference. She has earned numerous accolades, including being named Big South Player of the Week on Monday, Nov. 9. In addition to her highlights on the court, Courtney has succeeded academically, poised to graduate this school year as a triple major in Chemistry, Psychology, and History and a double minor in English and Pre-Law.
Courtney Williams' story shows anyone can accomplish great achievements with dedication and perseverance, even with the cramped schedule of a college student. However, no one can do it alone. It takes a strong support network of coaches, mentors, parents, and friends to achieve one's dreams. "I believe that all things happen for a reason," advised Williams, "so remember your "why", the reason that you are doing what you are doing, and always be your authentic self."
