The following is a spotlight profile on Bailey Williams, one of two George Mason University nominees for the prestigous NCAA Woman of the Year award. The Atlantic 10 had 15 institutional nominees for the award (READ MORE). Each weekday until July 22, the Atlantic 10 will profile one of the institutional nominees.
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SNAPSHOT
Sport: Volleyball
Position: Outside Hitter
Major: Communication/Media Production and Criticism
Minor: Sport Communication
Hometown: Royal Palm Beach, Fla.
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Bailey Williams
PROFILE
Bailey Williams was named George Mason Volleyball’s Most Valuable Player after finishing the season first in kills per set (2.89) and second in digs per set (3.12), and she earned Atlantic 10 Second Team All-Conference as a junior. She was the Vice President of the Mason Student Athlete Advisory Committee, spearheaded the It’s On Us Campaign on campus, and was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority where she served as treasurer and volunteered with multiple organizations and led community projects. Williams also participated in the Winning Edge Leadership Foundation retreat and earned the George Mason Sue Collins Leadership Award.
Q&A WITH BAILEY
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
My greatest accomplishment thus far was attending George Mason University on a full scholarship. I worked my whole life to make sure that my parents would not have to pay for college. I am forever thankful for the opportunities that Mason has given to me. Go Patriots!
What are three words your teammates would use to describe you, and why?
Three words my teammates would use to describe me: driven, caring, and outgoing. I am a hard worker; I not only push myself but, the people around to be better every day whether that was on the court or in the workplace. I am very caring to the people around me. I sometimes will go out of my way to put others first.
Outgoing is one of my best qualities because I push to make others feel welcomed in new environments that they might not be used to.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received? The worst?
The best piece of advice I have ever received was when I was the sports intern for WUSA9, a local news station. My boss Darren Haynes told me to “get comfortable being uncomfortable”. This advice has taught me to challenge myself by doing things outside of my comfort zone, and overall better myself. The worst piece of advice I have ever received “keep quiet and keep your head down and just get the work done”. Instead of taking this advice I did the complete opposite. I did get work done; however, I go over and beyond when it comes down to getting my work done.
What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?
The most courageous thing I have ever done was go to college over 14 hours away from home. I am very family-oriented, growing up I was close with all my siblings and cousins. Therefore, moving that far away from home was a big step for me and one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. Although the first year was hard for me, it helped grow up and gain my independence.
What is something you wish more people knew about you?
I wish people knew how much I enjoy giving back to my community. I make a constant effort to give back anyway I can, especially to the youth. Kids have a special place in my heart, and I think it’s important that people take time to mentor and give guidance to the younger generation.
What are the top three things on your bucket list?
The top three things on my bucket list:
-- Travel the world
-- Create my own nonprofit dedicate to the youth and leadership
-- Go skydiving
What is one thing you would go back and do differently if you could?
If there was one thing I could go back and do differently it would be to take more chances. Growing up I was so scared to do things outside of the box. The older I got the more I realized that it was ok to fail at things. You just learn and move on from them.