LASHELLE WILLIAMS OF SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, a senior from Waco, Texas, has been selected the SCAC Character & Community Female Student-Athlete-of-the-Week for the week ending February 2, 2015.
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Volunteering for women’s basketball senior Lashelle Williams is more than just giving back to a community that supports her, it is about reaching out to kids who are growing up in similar situations as she did.
As a youth in Central Texas, Williams spent most of her time after school at the Boys and Girls Club of Waco since her hometown did not have an after school program. While there, Williams was mentored by college kids who gave her confidence and helped her see a bright future. With her tireless work ethic and positive attitude, Williams has excelled at Southwestern and has found a passion in helping under privileged youth.
“You just never know who may need to know that someone cares,” said Williams. “I spend as much time as I can with these kids since they remind me of myself when I was young. I am so fortunate to have the opportunities I do at Southwestern and I want to help show these kids they can get here too.”
The effect these kids have had on Williams is obvious when speaking to her about her time at the Boys & Girls Club. There is a gleam in her eye that shows they have impacted her just as much as she has them. Williams has taken her volunteering one step further in her senior year, completing her senior capstone project on the organization. Her study and findings were so impressive that the Boys and Girls Club is flying her out to Atlanta over Spring Break to present at their national conference.
Williams is impressive to watch on the court with her speed, tenacity and quick hands, but she will leave an indelible mark on the lives of others for years to come that will far outweigh any athletic accomplishment.
To read about past SCAC Character & Community winners from the 2014-15 academic year, click here.