“Basketball has always been in my life.” The Louisiana State University Lady Tigers point guard Mikaylah Williams has stunned all with her brilliant performances for her team this season. She is so instrumental to the LSU’s growth that people are often left wondering from where she learned these skills and who instilled in her the passion for the game.
Not many know that basketball was not the only sport she was interested in. In fact, Williams was an exceptional softball and track and field athlete.
Williams’ childhood and parents
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As per the Players’ Tribune, Mikaylah expressed that basketball has played a big part in her life. It has been with her since the time she watched her mother play “college ball” from the sidelines sitting in her car seat. Williams also went around with her father during his coaching days. Despite being utterly talented, she has donned the role of sister quite well and is her brother’s “biggest cheerleader.” All these instances show nothing less than her absolute love for the game.
“Basketball has always been in my life. I’m talking since I was sitting in my car seat on the sideline while my mom played college ball, and since I was following my dad around while he coached. Basketball has just always been there. And whether I’m putting up shots in an empty gym, or playing in big moments in front of big crowds, or watching my brother play and being his biggest cheerleader … as I’ve grown up, I’ve kept on falling in love with this game,” Mikaylah spilled the beans as per the Players’ Tribune.
As per Boosier Press, William’s mother is currently a teacher at Bossier High, whereas her father is a supervisor at FedEx. However, their relationship with the game goes back to their college days. And Mikaylah probably inherited a lot of talent from her parents. Her mother goes by the name of LaTonya whereas her father is called Patrick. Her mother used to ply her trade as a basketball player in college for Northwestern State.
Read More: With Kansas Stumbling Out, Can Purdue Maintain Number 1 NCAA Status?
On the other hand, her father played for the Bossier Parish Community College. The balling skills in her family don’t end here. Like they didn’t start with Mikaylah. To her parents’ delight, her brother Kaleb also played basketball and football when he was at Parkway High School. Now the secret to her exemplary performances is out. Let’s dive a little deeper.
First brush with fame
While in high school, Mikaylah, much like other budding athletes her age, received a lot of attention. But this became a big thing because her name was at the tip of the tongue of a lot of coaches. She chose to concentrate on her game and remain grounded. Fortunately, it was her parents who helped her a lot during this time. A dynamic Mikaylah received some precious advice from the old taverns of wisdom from her mother.
LaTonya revealed as per Bossier Press that she advised her daughter to “remain humble”. Plus, she gave her daughter the big picture when she divulged to her that the opportunity she had received was special and “a lot of people who would like to be in her shoes.” LaTonya also counseled her daughter regarding her talent.
She enunciated that her talent was special and that Mikaylah should continue working hard on it, refining it for the bigger stages where she would receive more accolades if she followed her path seriously. “Just let them know you’re working with what the Lord gave you,” LaTonya stated. She also warned her young daughter to “don’t get the big head.” Age does seem to have imparted a lot of learnings to her daughter.
For the record, LaTonya helped her team emerge victorious in the 2003-04 Southland Conference championship. Meanwhile, Patrick also experienced his highs when he played for the famous coach Mike McConathy. It wouldn’t be wrong to give her parents the credit for sowing the seeds of the game, recognizing her talent at a young age, and giving her proper guidance with whatever resources were available to them.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As per Bossier Press, she credits her parents for propelling her to reach such heights and accomplish whatever she has in the game. She also recollected that her parents had made “a lot of sacrifices” and she didn’t hesitate while she “really appreciate it of them.” The 6-foot point guard also pointed out that her parents “give up a lot” for her.
Much like her parents fueled her on-court passion, they also motivated her off the court. Mikaylah was a champion in the truest sense, even in her classroom. Her love for sports, combined with her dedication to studies, earned her the Robbie Fisher Award. She was at the Elm Grove athletics award banquet when she got a lot of admiration and bagged the coveted award for being a multi-sport athlete with an astonishing 4.0 GPA.
As per Bossier Press, her mother expressed her joy when her daughter accomplished this feat and wrote on the social media networking site Facebook that she was really proud of her daughter. LaTonya enunciated that grades help one build a life even after basketball. In her own words, she reflected on the importance of achieving high in academics. “Grades are very important because after the last ball bounces you have to have something to fall back on,” LaTonya said. All these things certainly make Mikaylah a high flyer.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Mikaylah does seem to have the proper training and guidance to make it big in life and hopefully, she will fulfill all her dreams.
Watch This Story: Sending Shockwaves in The Basketball World, Know 18YO MiLaysia Fulwiley’s Story