Sports > November 3, 2005

By Matt Ennis

Old Gold & Black Reporter

THE SKINNY:

A former All-American honorable mention and ACC Rookie of the Year, senior Christy Williams has enjoyed a tremendously successful career as a middle blocker for the volleyball team. In high school, she played for the nationally ranked Sports Performance Club and was a two-time AAU national champion. 

Williams, a senior Psychology major, hails from Chicago, Ill. and serves as the emotional leader and heart of the volleyball team. Over the past weekend, she led the resurgent women’s volleyball to resounding wins over Clemson and Georgia Tech. This year, “Bubs,” as commonly referred to by friends and teammates, hopes for a top-three finish in the ACC as well as a bid to the NCAA tournament. Williams recently sat down with Old Gold & Black Reporter Matt Ennis to discuss her accomplishments and volleyball.

Old Gold & Black: How does it feel to have just crushed two strong ACC competitors?

Christy Williams: Amazing, I mean I could not have asked for anything more.  It’s great to see all of our hard work pay off.

OGB: You have had a ton of accolades, which one holds the most importance for you?

CW: I am proud of them all. Nothing, though, is as important to me as the team’s success. Our team has been working so hard and to end on this high note with the team is amazing.

OGB: What made you originally come to Wake Forest?

CW: The combination of athletics and academics.  I got along with the volleyball coaches extremely well and Wake Forest has great weather and a gorgeous campus.  When I came to visit, I just knew it was where I was supposed to be.

OGB: What goals do you have for yourself this year and for the team?

CW: I still think we can finish in the top three in the ACC. The way we have been competing and working is great and I hope we can get into the NCAA Tournament this year.

OGB: How do you and the team prepare for matches, mentally and physically?

CW: We watch a lot of film, even the afternoon before a game. We have two and a half hours where we are with the team. We do a dance together called The Pony where we get in a circle and sing and dance to a song called “The Pony.”

OGB: You are a clutch contributor to the team, what is your mindset when the game comes down to crunch time?

CW: Games are what I play for. When I go out there and the game is close, that is what we are here for as athletes. When you work so hard, day in and day out, you have to love the competition and pressure.  You can’t ask for anything more as an athlete.

OGB: What has presented the greatest challenge to you in your four years as a volleyball player?

CW: The pressure as an athlete being on a team is a big-time commitment. It takes a lot to be an athlete at the Division I level. Our schedule has been tough, but I think that we have proven that we can face the challenge of other teams in the ACC.

OGB: With this being your last season, what will you miss most about Wake Forest?

CW: The girls on my team. We have had an amazing season so far. We have had such a fun season and it has helped me realize how much I love volleyball.