Alannah Williams '17 Recruiting Profile

In the summer of 2009  tragedy would strike my life in another way, with the tragic death of my beloved little brother Drew. His passing shook me to my core.  A pain and emptiness beyond belief.  It changed my life in many ways. I  learned to appreciate every day God gives me and that life can change without a moments notice. Despite the loss of my little brother and my dad’s absence in my life I continue to stay positive. June 12, 2013 ,when I was promoted to high school, was one of the happiest days of my life. I was sitting on the turf of my new school waiting for them to call my name and there it was,  Alannah Williamssssss,  the principal announced. After getting my diploma I looked to the stands and failed to see and hear you scream my name and I felt dejected but I held up a smile. To overcome the bad feelings of not having a father in my life, I am participating in numerous sports: Such as basketball, volleyball and track and field. I’ve been playing basketball since I was in the 4th grade and I  played for my high school’s varsity team. I have played volleyball for school and also for a private club. In addition to playing basketball and volleyball, I also throw for track and field. I throw discus and shot put. I started throwing when I was a freshman and I took first place in my league both my freshman and sophomore year.When I'm on the court my pain is non-existent. When I throw shot put I let out all the anger,  all the times I let your absence destroy me mentally and physically. When I go up for a block, I think of blocking all the negative things that take over my life and keep the positives. Sports has helped me develop mentally, physically and emotionally, and has helped pave my way to college and possibly an athletic scholarship. It is very disappointing and discouraging to not see my father at my games or track meets cheering me on. Every day I tell myself that everything is going to work out, it just takes time. God has given me the opportunity to be a strong, intelligent African American women.

Although I have come across many challenges I’ve learned to rise above and overcome them. But without the help from family, teachers, friends, coaches, God, and mentors, I wouldn't have overcome these obstacles. I am learning to follow my dreams and to believe in myself. Every day is a new opportunity to improve and to succeed in whatever I put my mind to, regardless of my circumstances.