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Lily Williams Best Marks
100 - 12.36
200 - 24.86
400 - 53.63
800 - 2:09.10
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Q) Talk about the recruitment process - what other schools were you looking at, and how did you come to choosing the Baylor?
The recruiting process was a stressful period for me. I think one of the big things for athletes is to make sure that you are listening to yourself and what you want; there are a lot of people who may tell you where they think you should go. I definitely felt a lot of pressure from others around me, and at some points it was hard to separate the noise. I took three official visits: Duke, Oregon, and Baylor. Throughout the year, I also took some unofficial visits to University of Colorado, South Carolina, Stanford, and USC. Choosing a school is a hard process because each program brings something to the table. I ended up choosing Baylor because I felt that was where my heart was invested; and to be successful, you have to love the environment you're in. Furthermore, I personally connected with the team members and coaching staff. For me it was all about where I felt that I could grow as an athlete and a person.
Q) What do you plan to study at Baylor?
I am currently undecided, but I do have an interest in psychology or business. I will be using this year to look further into what I could see myself pursuing.
Q) What event do you see yourself focusing on at Baylor?
I will most likely begin with an emphasis on the 400M. I have more experience in that race, and I have a competitive spirit for it. I also believe with more training I could likely be competitive in the 800 as well. It will mostly depend on how I adjust to training once I get on campus.
Q) You've had success in everything from the 100 on up to the 800, what would you say is your favorite event, and why?
The 400 holds a place in my heart because in the past 3 years running it has brought so many emotions. I have had great races and not so good races. It's the last 150 meters that I love, when all that matters is how much you're willing to put in. It's a nerve-racking, exciting, challenging race; and I love it.
Q) You made massive jump in the 800 last spring - what would you attribute to such an improvement?
Last year was my first time consistently running the 800. It is definitely a crazy race. The first time I ran it was at the Chandler Meet in Arizona about 10 minutes after my 400. I remember being so nervous. After the first lap, I remember thinking, "Oh my gosh, I still have a whole other lap!" The more I ran the 800, the more intrigued I became with the different ways each runner approached the race. It is an interesting race in the aspect that distance runners and sprinters both run it. During the Colorado State meet, I was fortunate to run against Marlena Preigh who had already had amazing success with the race. I had honed in more on my race plan, but mostly I was going to try and stay close behind her. I'm a competitive person, and after the first lap, that's what kept me in the race. I am excited to keep running the 800 this upcoming season.
Q) What got you interested in track in the first place?
In my freshman year, my math teacher, who happened to be the head Track and Field Coach, asked me to come try out for pole vault. I pole vaulted for a couple weeks, but then had to fill in for an injured team member in the 4x4. After that 400, I never pole vaulted again. Once I started running more, I came to enjoy it more. It definitely helped that the seniors were extremely supportive and inviting. My freshman year we won State as a team, and I have been invested in track ever since.
Q) Could you share any goals you have for your senior year?
I have some high expectations for my senior year. I plan on running the 400 and the 800 again at the State meet. I am hoping to defend my title in the 400 as well as seek a title in the 800. I am also hoping to pass on a competitive spirit to my younger teammates.
Q) What would your favorite high school moment be?
My sophomore year, I came from behind to win a surprise State victory in the 400. All my teammates stood screaming at the finish line. It was the only time I could actually hear anyone cheering for me! I ran into my teammate Leilah Vigil's arms and she said, "I knew you could do it!" It was my first individual State title.
