Oct. 9, 2005

COMMERCE - Brittany Williams is all smiles. And why shouldn't she be?

Already proving to be one of the most valued freshmen in the Lone Star Conference, the Deer Park native ranks third in scoring on the Texas A&M University-Commerce volleyball squad as a starting outside hitter.

Williams also leads the team in service aces.

But what sets her apart aside from the statistical accomplishments is her trademark approach to the net. When the ball is floated in the air for her to attack, she takes in a gasp of air and releases the biggest grin--as if to say she knows something no else in the arena does.

I don't get hurt. I'm a warrior. Brittany Williams

It isn't intentional, she says. "I'm just, like, the peppy one."

Good thing. Officially listed at 5-foot-8, she's one of the shorter strikers on the outside but makes up for it with attitude.

"I expect a little more than I ordinarily would from a freshman," head coach Gwen Weatherford said. "She's a natural leader, and it's a role she filled well in high school and club play."

It only comes naturally for someone who quotes Vince Lombardi and Wilson Phillips lyrics at length.

But in a twist, it was herself that she had to motivate this summer. Williams strained an abdomen muscle the first week of two-a-days. It came as a troublesome blow since she couldn't fully participate in practice for two weeks, something she thought would keep her from winning a starting spot in the line-up.

Her brief time in Commerce certainly hasn't been short on memorable times either. "I was really frustrated with myself," she said of dealing with the lingering injury. "I thought to myself, `I don't get hurt. I'm a warrior.' "

It's the same approach she uses in her studies. A winner of the prestigious National Mathematics Merit Award and a handful of other academic recognitions in high school, Williams actually settled for a major in industrial engineering since A&M-Commerce doesn't currently offer an engineering specialty in chemistry. She also enjoyed a successful high school volleyball career as a first team all-District 23-5A performer. Williams was named the top defender in the district as a senior.

Williams has scored 10 or more kills in six matches.

Recalling the first day of practice, "I remember everyone being really quiet," she said. "And I'm always the crazy one, so I thought `Oh no, what am I doing'? But after that it was awesome." Looking back, there was the humorous experience with the so-called "Cricket Invasion," which's name speaks for itself.

Even despite those pesky insects, Williams said the challenges have been worth it. And the Lions have seen their work begin to payoff just as LSC North play begins to heat up.

I don't have any rhythm though. I thought I did, but everyone told me I was mistaken. Brittany Williams

"Our team is full of talent," she went on. "Before, we were just playing as individuals. It took awhile to click."

Williams' own technique of play underwent change in the off season as well. Coach Weatherford and assistant Jim Mercer, who also joined the team in the summer, worked on improving her attack at the net. Instead of using her leg strength to jump toward the net, her new mechanics left her jumping more vertically for added reach. That, along with a new swinging motion, has proven a success.

"With all that I've seen halfway through the season," Weatherford said, "I'm very optimistic for what she'll accomplish in the future."

About the only thing she's still coming to terms with is her own brand of a prematch locker room dance routine. "I don't have any rhythm though," she laughed. "I thought I did, but everyone told me I was mistaken."

If she has one message to deliver, it would be to come watch them play and cheer them on. "We need some hagglers," she smirked.

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