Williams Representing Canes Track at NCAAs

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – After having a great start to her indoor season, Samantha Williams earned the chance to end it on the biggest stage: the NCAA Indoor Championships.

Williams had her best triple jump of the season at the Auburn Invitational, where she cleared 42′ 5.5″. The mark, set on Jan. 19, remained one of the best in the country over the course of the season and qualified Williams to compete in her first NCAA Division I Indoor Championships. This year, the meet will be held at Arkansas’ Randal Tyson Track Center.

“I’m really glad all my hard work paid off, especially after the disappointing ACCs,” Williams said. “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to go.”

Despite having three Top 3 finishes on the year in the triple jump, the All-American has had to deal with some inconsistency this indoor season.

“It started off really well,” Williams said. “Then it didn’t go all the way down, but it stayed on the same path for a good while. It taught me a few lessons. It taught me patience, most of all. Starting off on such a high note, I expected so much more. But after the disappointment at ACCs, I really think it’s just discipline and a test of perseverance going into NCAAs.”

Williams is coming off a strong showing at the Virginia Tech Qualifier. The senior All-American won the triple jump after clearing 42′ 0.5″. The win gave her a confidence boost heading into the final meet of the indoor season. Now, she is ready to see all her hard work pay off at the NCAA Indoor Championships.

The NCAA Division I Indoor Championships begin Friday, Mar. 8. Williams will compete in the women’s triple jump on Saturday, Mar. 9, at 7 p.m. ET. ESPN3 will stream the meet live on March 8 from 6:30-10:30 p.m. ET and March 9 from 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. ET. A tape delay of the championship will air Sunday, March 17 from 7 p.m.-9:00 p.m. ET on ESPNU.