FROM AFTERTHOUGHT TO SPOTLIGHT - TADJ WILLIAMS LEADS POST VOLLEYBALL TEAM

August 28, 2005

FROM AFTERTHOUGHT TO SPOTLIGHT

TADJ WILLIAMS LEADS POST VOLLEYBALL TEAM

By Mark Jaffee

2005 Republican-American

WATERBURY, CT - When Tadj Williams arrived on Post University's campus two years ago, volleyball was an afterthought.

"My passion has always been basketball," said Williams, an Albany, NY, native who was recruited to play on the Eagles' basketball team. "I just was hoping to play volleyball to stay in shape. But I didn't realize how hard the training was and how fast the game is."

With just one year of volleyball experience in high school, her collegiate expectations were minimal.

"I really didn't expect to play with so many veterans on the team," the 5-foot-8 Williams said. "I was a nervous wreck. I was trying to learn as much as I could every day. But I wasn't going to be upset if I didn't play because I knew that I wasn't good enough."

It turned out she was selling herself a bit short.

As a basketball player, Williams thrived on her leaping ability and instincts, two traits that came to the forefront on the volleyball court. The freshman eventually earned quality playing time as an outside hitter and soon caught the eye of head coach Dawn Spellman with her never-quit attitude.

"After my freshman season, Coach Spellman said she liked the way I never gave up, even after I would get frustrated," Williams said. "I would push myself to try and create opportunities for my teammates."

Williams' confidence soared as she prepared for her sophomore year last fall. So too did her numbers.

She set a single-season school record with 574 kills and earned All-Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference first-team honors. Her efforts helped the Eagles to a 29-12 overall record, the best mark in school history.

With her junior season just days away, the Eagles open 2005 at Molloy College Monday at 7 p.m., the 19-year-old isn't resting on those laurels.

"I will always strive to be better and will never get complacent," said Williams, who learned that trait from her mom, Marcia, who travels two hours from Albany for nearly every home volleyball match or basketball game.

What did Williams learn over the last two years?

"I thought I was destined to just play basketball, but I realize that athletes should not limit themselves," Williams said. "They need to express the gifts and talents they have."

Her favorite motto is simple but significant: "What isn't used is abused."

If anyone knows that, it's her.

Note: The Eagles' local connection include sophomore defensive specialist Tricia D'Angelo of Naugatuck, freshman middle blocker Jessica Alexander of Torrington and sophomore setter Amanda Cypher, a Nonnewaug graduate from Naugatuck.