Haley Williams
Haley Williams is not one to sit on the sidelines.
Williams grew up in an athletic family, with both her father and grandfather coaching high school football. She played tennis and soccer in high school and even tried lacrosse, all while appreciating the importance of coaching.
“Growing up with my dad and his dad as high school football coaches, I feel like I got to experience what it’s like being an athlete and what goes on for the coach,” said Williams. “I was able to be immersed in sports all my life and experience all the things a coach does for their team. I got to see behind the scenes and learn what it takes to make a great coach who not only wants to win games, but also teach boys how to become men.”
Williams will be coming to East Carolina University this fall as an EC Scholar, the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at ECU. The four-year merit scholarship recognizes outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills. Recipients receive an Honors College scholarship and a stipend for study abroad for a total value of nearly $64,000.
“To me, being an EC Scholar means having an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and a passion to change the world,” Williams said. “It means that as scholars we will work to better ourselves so that we can go out into the world to make a positive impact. A scholar to me is not a title and a scholarship. It is a chance to propel myself forward and to further my education surrounded by people who not only want to make a difference, but will.”
The daughter of Anie and Beau Williams enjoys the beach and the outdoors. At Jacksonville High School, she was student council secretary and a member of Interact, the student arm of the Rotary Club. She enjoys photography and contributed to a book on paper collage by Sharon Miller de Beck. She wants to be involved at ECU as well.
“I look forward to joining clubs, hopefully working with the newspaper, joining Greek life and finding a God-loving church community,” Williams said. “Not only the (programs) and clubs, but I also look forward to getting involved in my major and the health field, as I have not had many opportunities in my high school years.”
She plans to major in public health with a goal of becoming a physician assistant.
“My dream is to be an orthopedic physician assistant for athletes, as sports is something so crucial to my life and my passions,” she said. “This is my aspiration because I want to work in the health field and be involved with people. I truly think that this is something I could be good at, and it would be a way for me to help better the lives of my patients.”
As for her study abroad opportunity while at ECU, she’s thinking of a country in Europe but isn’t committed as of yet. For now, she’ll spend her summer with family and friends before arriving for fall classes.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity that God has given me to join such an incredible and talented group of people,” Williams said, “and I cannot wait for the next four years as an EC Scholar!”
“I am so thankful for the opportunity that God has given me to join such an incredible and talented group of people, and I cannot wait for the next four years as an EC Scholar!”
High School: Jacksonville High School
Intended major: Public Health
Hometown: Jacksonville