Charles City Valedictorian Williams selected as Class 1 State Female Athlete of the Year
From track and field, to girls' basketball, to scholastic bowl, and to volleyball, recent Charles City High School graduate Alexis Williams did a little bit of everything in high school.Robb Johnson photos
Written by Erica Larochelle
Being a student-athlete and class valedictorian may seem impossible for many. But for Charles City High School recent graduate Alexis Williams, an additional accolade and a first in school history can be entitled to motivating factors and a drive to be successful.
Williams was chosen as The Allstate Foundation and Virginia High School League Class 1 Female Athlete of the Year in the State of Virginia. She is the first in the school’s history as she was selected among 53 schools and nearly 1,000 eligible female athletes in all classifications. Only one male and female is selected for each of the six classifications.
During her high school career, Williams managed to be on several of the school’s teams. She participated in basketball, volleyball, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, and on the scholastic bowl team. One of her proudest achievements took place this past season as she became the first female since 1994 to win a state title for Charles City High School when she captured the girls’ indoor triple jump gold medal.
To be selected and recognized as the state athlete of the year, Williams had to apply for a scholarship through the Allstate Foundation.
“My mom was looking for scholarships and she came across the VHSL scholarship and I applied,” Williams said in a Tuesday afternoon interview. “They notified me a couple of weeks ago that I was selected.”
Williams garnered a dual love for academics and athletics. Throughout her career, she was pushed academically by scholastic bowl teammate and class salutatorian Delaney Narron.
“Delaney brought out the best in me and she’s just so smart,” Williams said. “She pushed me to do my best and the thing is that we are friends and that drove us to be better.
“It was always important to my om that I good grades, so I tried really hard at school,” she continued. “My mom essentially said if I didn’t have the grades, then I couldn’t do sports.”
Athletics was influential from a young age with the recent award winner. Inspired by her cousin Shana Braxton, she participated in gymnastics and basketball. And when Braxton passed away in a car accident, it only provided the extra spark she needed.
“Shana meant so much to me and I wanted to pick up where she left off,” Williams commented. “My cousins always did sports growing up and they were constantly pushing me to be an athlete.”
Williams’ mentality was tested over the last two years. With COVID-19 cutting her junior year short, Williams returned her for her senior campaign, only to find out that she was the only female athlete, outside of cheerleading, participating in sports.
“It was frustrating to see volleyball season and girls’ basketball season to be cancelled,” Williams admitted. “But it didn’t sway me. It pushed me to be the best that I could in track and field.”
Williams harbored those emotions into a state title in indoor track and a state runner-up in outdoor track in the triple jump events. She credited coach Lillani Adkins and John A. Christian Jr. for their support.
But as Williams transitions to Howard University on an academic scholarship to pursue a degree in human performance with a concentration in sports medicine, her athletic dreams and endeavors aren’t quite done yet.
“I want to try rugby out,” she responded when asked about a sport she’d like to try. “I am also looking to walk onto the track and field team.”
Williams commented on the future generation of athletics at Charles City High School, hoping that those students take advantage of the opportunities available.
“I just want them to look at me as an example because I was the only female athlete this year,” she said. “If you want to do it, then you should do it. If there is something you want to try, go on out and do it!
“Don’t let others make those choices for you,” Williams added. “The coaches are there to support, teach you, and help you. Even if it’s your first time, you should still try. No one will make fun of you.”
Charles City County High School Athletic Director and one of Williams’ former coaches Andre’ Jones talked about the impact she has had in the athletics’ program.
“I don’t think she can even fathom or comprehend what she has done,” Jones said. “As I told her privately, Alexis is easily in the top five of best student-athletes to graduate from Charles City County High School, male or female.
“Honestly, I think her abilities intimidated a lot of other athletes, even those who were her own teammates,” the athletic director continued. “But what made them gravitate towards Alexis is her personality and love for others. She’s such a selfless individual.
“During the track season, I told Alexis to watch how many eyes she attracts where she goes,” Jones said as he wrapped up his comments. “Soon, she had other athletes from other schools talking to her and had coaches come up to her. When you earn the respect of those people, then you know you’re special.”
Williams is an inspiration young woman whose future is bright. Along with the recognition of being named the Class 1 Female Athlete of the Year, Williams received a $1,500 scholarship from The AllState Foundation.
Williams proudly displays her “Senior Female Athlete of the Year” trophy from the school as well as several others she earned.