A script writer for a major Hollywood studio couldn’t have come up with a better first year for an athlete than the one written by Olds College Bronco Jylisa Williams.
The outstanding player born in Atlanta, Georgia grabbed her share of headlines being named ACAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Year, ACAC Women’s Basketball Championships Tournament MVP, ACAC First-team all-conference, two-time ACAC Athlete of the Week and then CCAA Women’s Basketball Player of the Year.
“I had been off of playing basketball for two years and I didn’t know what to expect getting back into action so I really came here and gave my all,” said Williams.
She credits her success on the court to being a little older than her teammates and having had previous experience playing Division One ball in the NCAA at Georgia State where she netted 399 points in 41 games.
“That kind of helped me focus,” she said about shaking off the rust and getting back to form.
Williams says the game in the States is a lot more physical and the competition is generally stronger throughout the various American programs but added she enjoyed her year with her teammates, winning a bronze medal in the first year of the program at Olds College.
“It started like any year for a team trying to come together and find the chemistry but after Christmas everybody came back focused for the playoffs,” she said.
Williams she found it tough coming in from another country and being older than the rest of the girls.
“It was difficult but I think that’s what made this ride such a special one,” she said.
The desire to do well is something Williams says burns deep inside and it showed up big time on the court throughout the season.
“I have the most competitive spirit you would see in a person. I basically wanted to be the best in every category,” she said. “That’s kind of how I was since I was little.”
She certainly left her stamp on the game as she is the owner of a pair of ACAC records – the most points in one game at 52 and hauling down 18 rebounds in a single game.
Williams is currently exploring her options about moving into the CIS ranks but the goals she set for herself in the ACAC will follow her to the next level.
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