Last year she won two international titles and placed in several events. Her team, Heart and Soul, is based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she is from. Although being in Tuscaloosa separates her from her program, she plans to continue with the sport.
“I think it will be a part of my life for many more years because I have devoted so much time and energy to it, but I don’t really know how many years I’ll be competing,” Williams said.
Williams participates in conferences around the country. She started attending them to learn from more experienced jumpers, but now is an instructor.
“The best thing about jump rope is the relationships you make with people across the nation and even across the world,” Williams said.
Williams has been with the same coach since she started jumping. Coach, Ann Couvillion, has been one of the most influential people in her jump roping career.
“She’s connected me with so many different teams and so many different opportunities,” Williams said. “I couldn’t have done this without her.”
Couvillion said she makes sure her jumpers learn not only jump rope tricks, but life skills through their competitions.
“Athletics come and go, but those life skills you need forever,” she said.
Couvillion said the sport is set up to offer athletes the chance to mentor younger team members. Heart and Soul has jumpers ranging from second grade all the way through college.
“They have to live a life in front of those little kids that’s worthy of following,” Couvillion said. “[Williams] just really stepped up and started showing great leadership.”
Couvillion and Williams said the number of years they have spent together has allowed the pair to grow closer than they would if jump roping were just in high school.
“We do ask that they can tie their shoes when they come to us, and then we go through and sometimes help them pick out their wedding dress,” Couvillion said.
