Doug Williams '21 Recruiting Profile

Even though basketball is currently my high school lover, it wasn't always the first choice. My first love of sports actually came through football. My first experience was in the first grade when my mom unknowingly signed me up for the school's junior level sports. I was a receiver on a future championship-winning flag football team where I actually caught the game-winning catch against my undefeated opponents. I played football all the until seventh grade, winning multiple championships and even earning a spot on a Tennessee all-star football team in fifth grade. My personal best year of football occurred in seventh grade where I was starting running back on our school's advanced team. My best game was when I ran for 300 plus yards, ran three touchdowns, and threw for another two. That same year in seventh grade, I was a three sport athlete in basketball, football, and track, each earning respectable achievements. However, by the end of track season, I broke my hip during a meet, and that ultimately ended my my pursue in multiple. With the hip fracture, I sat out most of my seventh grade summer with a basketball camp being the only physical activity I took part in. That same summer was the time I devoted all my time into basketball. Coming into my eighth grade basketball season, I was stronger and healthier than ever before. That eventually led to my team placing third in a pretty competitive district and winning multiple tournaments with much bigger schools. In one tournament, I even won the tournament MVP averaging a double-double for the tournament. All these accolades were the reason my high school's varsity coach put me on his varsity summer league team as an eighth grader. I did alright that summer going against what felt like grown men. However, it was enough to earn a spot on varsity my freshman year. My freshman year didn't go that great athletically. The pressure the coach put on the freshman was overwhelming. On top of losing confidence, I eventually quit varsity because my teammates were bullying me for my skin color and other social reasons. I moved to JV but i finished the season strong averaging almost 16 points before the season ended. Long story short, because of what happened with my teammates, my mother moved us to a bigger and better district for a new beginning. As i was writing this, i am currently in off season for my new school's basketball team. The competition is much better and it is taking some getting used to. Making varsity seems slim, but I ultimately just want to show case my skills on any team and hopefully catch the attention from some college coaches to fulfill my dream of being a basketball player.