Going the Distance: Samantha Williams
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Before the track and field season gets underway, it is time to meet the student-athletes of the2012 University of Miami track and field team. Leading up to thestart of the season, HurricaneSports.com will introduce you to members of theteam.
In addition, be sure tofollow UM Track & Field on Twitter (@MiamiTrack) for the latest news on thesquad.
To lead off the”Going the Distance” series, let us find out more about senior longjumper Samantha Williams…
Hometown: St. Andrew,Jamaica
High School: St. AndrewsHS for Girls
Other College: Universityof Mary
Major: Economics &Marketing
Why didyou decide to attend the University of Miami?
I have always wanteda well-rounded education, and I was also looking for a program geared at transformingmy athlete capabilities. I did my research and found that UM offered me allthis and more. After speaking with Coach Robinson, I felt agreat deal of comfort knowing that I would be in good hands. Anotherimportant factor too, UM was only an hour away from home.
What isyour major here at the University of Miami?
Economics with a Minor inMarketing.
What wasthe best aspect of being part of Miami’s Track & Field team?
The track and field teamis perhaps one of the ‘smallest’ of the ‘larger’ teams – this worked well in thesense that everyone knows everybody not just as a teammate but also as a friend. Boththe guys and the girls combined is like a family. We all have each other’sback and keep motivating to the end. With this we are unbreakable, and I ammore than happy to be a part of such a group of hard working and lovingathletes. Track and field is competitive and sometimes I get discouragedbut if it wasn’t for my teammates, and of course my coaches, I don’t think Iwould have made it to where I am today. Their love and encouragement made mepush myself at times when I thought there was nothing left.
You haveaccomplished quite a bit in your first season at Miami athletically. Whatdo you feel is your biggest accomplishment throughout your collegiatecareer?
As much as I had faith inthe program, my coach and my talent, my success was far beyond what I hadexpected. I grew so much as an athlete and become so much more knowledgeableabout my events that I am still amazed to this day. What stood out the most forme though was Outdoor Nationals (NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships),being ranked among the nation’s most elite athletes is a tremendous feeling.
What aresome of your goals for this upcoming season?
Coming off such agreat year I’m planning on out doing what I did in my past season! Last yearwas all about learning, this year with all the knowledge I have gained and theexperience from competing at the Division I level, I am charged and ready to takeon 2013. With this in mind, I’m hoping to attain All-ACC and All-American statusindoors and outdoors, focusing primarily on being in that top three positions andwho knows maybe becoming a national champion.
Have youever played any other sports?
When I was muchyounger I was involved in swimming and netball. Netball is similar tobasketball, of course not too many people are familiar with the game becauseit’s not so popular in the States but its played with more rules, andmainly by girls.
Originally being from Jamaica, was it difficult coming to the South Florida torun? What was the biggest difference?
Oh wow! I got picked on atpractice all year when I complained about the heat “…Your from Jamaica Sam..howare you hot?” hahaha it’s not the same. It’s very humid here; my first coupleof practices saw me completely drenched in sweat and oftentimes out of breath.Jamaica is a mountainous country, we survive because of constant winds andbreezes which despite the high temperatures make it a little easier to survive.
What areyour career plans after graduation?
That’s a tricky one, and Ihave been asking myself this ever since I started junior year. Iam settled on going to graduate school to further mystudies and make myself more marketable for the work world.
Who hashad the biggest influence on your career?
My dad is a Pastorat a local church back home and my mom is an administrative assistant/accountant at an accounting firm. I have decided not to follow into their footsteps.I’m pretty much going into this aspect of my life focusing on where myinterests are which is marketing. Business was always my focus but my creativeside sees marketing in the near future.
What doyou do away from running and studying to relax?
Believe it or not I spendmost of my time relaxing at home. Being a student-athlete is a job withinitself. It takes so much to go to classes and then head to practice then stillfind the energy to study and get other important stuff done. When I doleave home though I like to shop (as any girl does) then thereis hanging out with friends and family.
