SAN ANTONIO -- With the 2018 UTSA volleyball season underway, it's time to get to know our 2018 student-athletes!
Today, learn all about senior defensive specialist Shelby Williams. A native of New Braunfels, Texas, and a product of Canyon High School, Williams has been a key member of the Roadrunners since arriving on campus in 2015. Williams, a sports management major, has played in 92 matches and has 851 digs and 75 service aces in her career.
At what age did you begin playing volleyball?
SW: I began playing volleyball when I was 7 years old.
Why did you start playing volleyball?
SW: I was very active in sports from a young age, specifically softball and basketball. A teammate's dad suggested I try volleyball. When I saw what the uniforms looked like, I was completely uninterested. It took an entire year of convincing to get me to try the sport, but once I got into it I fell in love.
What is your earliest memory of volleyball?
SW: My earliest memory of volleyball was getting asked after a CYO game to try out for a club team. I was only 10 years old at the time but becoming involved with a travel team at that age helped me grow as a player and person.
Who is your inspiration in volleyball and why?
SW: My biggest inspiration in volleyball has to be my varsity coach from high school. She taught me so much about the game and myself, and always reminded me to play for something greater than myself. (Thank you Coach Sanders!!)
Who is a current/former collegiate or professional volleyball athlete whom you admire and why?
SW: I admire multiple collegiate athletes for unique reasons, so I can't really pinpoint one.
What family members have made the biggest impact on your life and why?
SW: I have a very faith-driven family that I'm beyond grateful for. My parents, Debbie and John, have sacrificed so much to allow me to chase my dreams. They support me 100 percent and would do anything for me or my teammates. I have one older brother, Barrett, who graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. I am very close to my entire family and have been blessed to stay close to home and compete at the Division I level with them cheering me on in the stands.
Do you have any family members who played collegiate sports?
SW: I have two older cousins that played college baseball at multiple universities. I am also related to Tommy Nobis, who was an All-American linebacker at The University of Texas and went on to play for the Atlanta Falcons.
What are the strengths of your volleyball game? What are the areas you are currently trying to work on the most?
SW: My strengths include my court awareness, defense and serving. I'm most proud of the heart I play with though. I've overcome a lot of adversity as an athlete and have never lost my passion for the game. I'm currently trying to work on my consistency because I want my teammates and coaches to always know what numbers they'll get from me when I step on the court.
Why did you decide to attend the UTSA?
SW: I decided to attend UTSA because it proved to be a great opportunity to play in a highly competitive environment, while moving only an hour from my hometown. Both of my parents are UTSA grads but this didn't really play a major role in my decision.
What are your individual and team goals at UTSA?
SW: My individual goal is to leave behind a legacy I can be proud of. At the end of the day, I want people to remember the kind of teammate and person I was. My team goal is to win conference and get that blinggg!
What is your academic major and why did you select that major?
SW: I am majoring in Sport Management. I chose this major because when I'm done with my collegiate career, I want to stay involved in sports.
What are your career goals (after volleyball) and why do you have an interest in pursuing that particular career?
SW: After volleyball, I want to get involved in professional athletics, particularly football. I am a huge football fan and want to pursue a career in the corporate side of the NFL.
Have there been any big obstacles that you have had to overcome in your life? How did you overcome them and how did that experience help shape you?
SW: I have overcome one major obstacle that could've changed my plans to play college volleyball. I was put on a 2nd team at the club I was playing for at the time and told I wasn't good enough to play Division I volleyball. I just made the decision to prove them wrong. I worked continuously to get where I am now, and can honestly say that I wasn't given anything. This experience has made me the driven athlete I am today. I always have something to prove.
What do you enjoy doing outside of volleyball and school?
SW: Outside of school and volleyball, I enjoy going fishing down in Rockport and shooting guns with my family. I like anything outdoors or sports related.
Do you have any pets? What are their names and what role do they play in your life?
SW: I have two dogs, a purebred German Shepherd named Cadence and a Catahoula mix named Nokona, and a calico cat named Tinker Bell.
What is something most people might not know about you?
SW: People may not know that I LOVE Crocs. J
What would you most like to be known for as a UTSA volleyball player?
SW: Again, I would like to be known for the kind of teammate I was at UTSA. When it's all said and done, I want people to remember the passion and heart I played with every time I stepped on the court.
What advice would you give to a young girl who would like to one day be in your shoes?
SW: Never miss an opportunity to pursue something just because it scares you or you don't know what the end result will be. The best advice I've gotten myself is to stay true to yourself and never forget to stop and smell the roses along the way.
- GO UTSA -
