Tiger Sports Spotlight: Courtlyn Williams

 Aniecia Brewster
MC Contributor/Staff Writer

It’s more than a game for Courtlyn Williams, a defender for Jackson State University women’s soccer team.

Williams is well known for being a part of the 2013 SWAC Soccer Championship team and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Williams chose Jackson State University because it was very welcoming to her during her school visit. She stated that she felt like she was home. Even though it is different, Williams stated that everyone speaks to you and makes you feel welcomed.

As a little girl, Williams took piano lessons for three years and can play the piano without skipping a note.

Williams puts her heart in the team and she expects to give 110 percent of herself to the team and her teammates.

Last season, Williams missed the majority of the season due to a knee injury that resulted in surgery.

No injury or surgery stopped Williams from coming back for the next season ready to work hard and help her team make it to the top.

“I always give every game my all and play as if it’s my last,” said Williams.

In the future, she plans to get her Master’s degree and become a finance manager for a large company, such as Google or UPS.

Williams gets fired up before each game by listening to music to get into game mode.

From her family, the coaches, and the other member of the soccer team, she feels that she definitely gets the best support.

“Soccer is definitely preparation for life. Having to manage good grades with practices takes good time management skills and decisions,” said Williams.

One major highlight for Williams during her collegiate career at JSU is when the Lady Tigers soccer team defeated the Alabama State University Lady Hornets 1-0 and won the 2013 SWAC Soccer Championship

The soccer team has had a great season. They finished No. 2 in the 2015 Southwestern Athletic Conference.

JSU opened the 2015 conference tournament with an advantage over their first opponent, Prairie View A&M University. The last time the two teams met, JSU defeated PVAMU, 2-0.

The team was eliminated from the SWAC tournament and finished their season after they fell 1-0 to PVAMU at the John Hunt Soccer Complex.

“We’ve gained a lot of knowledge this season and put so much work in order to be able to bring back a ring,” said Williams.

Williams and the soccer team were saddened by the loss but are ready to work on the little mistakes to get the title next season.

Williams won’t rest until she gets another ring. She wants to be able to be a strong leader for the women’s soccer team and help the team become champions once again.