Although Marlboro County High’s Mary Williams had other offers, she signed with the University of Mount Olive where she will major in nursing, on Thursday, March 19, at the Marlboro County High School Media Center, to continue her education and her love of wrestling.
Marlboro County High School’s Wrestling Head Coach Tony McMillan stated that as a 4-year wrestler, Mary Williams had a 46-20 overall record including wrestling boys and girls. Her record in the girls classification is 25-6. She has a high “pin” rate.
Marlboro County High School’s Wrestling Assistant Coach Tony Kava exclaimed “Mary, you are a leader; don’t allow anyone to change you. You have been an inspiration to all of our team.”
Having been influenced by her Father and brother, she has been wrestling since she was 15. She also plays soccer. She has excelled in wrestling as she has been a 3-time state qualifier and 2 times at second place in the Lower State Championship in the 190-pound weight class.
Williams believes she will be a good fit at the University of Mount Olive because she is determined to be an All-American wrestler one day and will work hard with the coaches and her teammates. The University of Mount Olive has an opening for the weight class of 180 and she plans on continuing the legacy of their 180 who is graduating this year. Williams has the determination and power to make another name for UMO once again.
To this point in her wrestling career, she recalls being on the wrestling mats teacher the younger girls and being a role model to set the standard of what wrestling is about. Williams stated “Wrestling isn’t just about win or lose, it’s about what you will do to achieve your goals and improve from your losses while staying mentally strong.”
As she transitions from high school to the college level, she will carry the growth mindset she’s learned over the past 4 years. “One has to think fast on the mat with wrestling and being aware of everything. Each year one learns something new; one has to grow with it. The sport grows and improves each year. Staying physically and mentally strong makes one a formidable opponent,” Williams remarked.
When not studying, practicing, or participating in matches, Williams enjoys playing video games and crocheting from time to time.
Tim and April Williams, her parents, are very proud of her accomplishments and look forward to her future accomplishments.
Williams thanks her coaches: Coach Tony McMillan, Assistant Coach Tony Kava, and Assistant Coach Amir McNeill for their instruction and teaching the sport of wrestling to her. They are all very proud of all that Williams has accomplished, on and off the mat. They all look forward to what she will do at the university level.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC
