Taco Bell Student-Athlete Spotlight

Statesboro, Ga. - As a senior guard on the Georgia Southern women's basketball team, Samantha Williams understands what it takes to succeed on the court and in the classroom.

"Sam epitomizes what it means to be a student-athlete," said Head Coach Rusty Cram. "She brings a passion and a desire to everything she does and what she's accomplished academically and as a player shows how hard of a worker she is."

Williams is coming off a junior year where she was fifth on the team in scoring (7.5 points per game) and fourth in rebounding (3.5 per game). As one of only two seniors on this year's squad, her leadership will play an important role during the upcoming season.

"Seniors are invaluable to every team," said Cram. "Sam has played the tough preseason games and been through all of the conference battles. With her experience, it's like having a coach on the floor for us."

Off the court, Williams has maintained a 3.91 GPA while serving as Secretary on the Student-Athlete Advisory Board. She is active in community service and works hard to be the best teammate she can be. During her junior season, Williams made the decision to remain living on campus to be there for her younger teammates.

"Staying with the team and living with the girls was an opportunity to get to know them better and to be a resource for them as they get acclimated to college life," said Williams.

Heading into her senior season, Williams understands that the "real world" is less than a year away.

"I feel blessed to have played Division I basketball at a great school like Georgia Southern," said Williams. "Knowing that I only have one more season to go, I'm going to leave everything I have on the court each and every day."

The Eagles will begin the 2011-12 season at home on November 11 at 5 p.m. against the Arizona Wildcats.

Major: Accounting, minor in Fraud Examination

Interests: Throwing softball, taking naps, and working jig-saw puzzles... I recently started experimenting in the kitchen to learn how to cook.

Favorites:

Food: Chicken pot pie

Movies: Harry Potter

Type of Music, Band or Artist: Keith Urban, Country music

Athlete: Kara Lawson, Tim Tebow

What is your favorite memory so far as an Eagle? Last year's game against UNCG, Meredyth Frye made an unbelievable last second game winning shot and everyone in Hanner Fieldhouse went crazy!

What are your goals for the upcoming season: Be undefeated at home during conference, and win the SoCon to make it into the NCAA Tournament.

What are your plans after college? Pursue my Masters of Accountancy at the University of Tennessee, go into public accounting and perhaps eventually into a management position for a corporation.

Category: Women's Basketball

Published on Friday, 23 September 2011 12:17