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ashley williams
 
Ashley Williams is a freshman on the women's soccer team at Judson University.  She is from Lake In the Hills, Illinois, and is a starter for the Eagles.
By Leslie Talley
Judson Sports Information Student Assistant
 
Choosing to pursue soccer wasn't a difficult decision for Ashley Williams. Since the young age of three, she had been playing the game and has loved it ever since. Although she ran track and went to state (placing eighth in middle school), her passion for soccer continued to grow.
 

When the time came for higher education, Williams had some tough choices ahead of her. In the end, Judson University was a clear choice, says Williams, "because I could play soccer, I liked the coach, and Judson was great!"

High school brought some challenges for Williams. She had always desired to play soccer at a college level, but tearing her ACL as a junior in high school made the road to success seem long and uncertain.

"It was so hard because I thought my dream would never come true," Williams tells. To her dismay, Ashley tore her meniscus after playing two games her junior year. "That was even harder because I worked so hard to get back after my ACL and I still wanted to play in college."

Determination took over and Williams fought to get back in the game. She recovered just in time to play senior year. Ashley is confident in her achievements and states, "Now I am back to playing soccer again and doing better then ever."

Jesus plays a role in Williams' life, as she credits Him for helping her recover so well after tearing her ACL and meniscus. Another cornerstone person in Ashley's life is her mom. "She always knows how to help and helped me when I tore my ACL. She knew I could do anything I put my mind to."

As for balancing a social life and soccer, Ashley gives good advice when she claims she has to "try and do my best in both, focus on one thing at a time." In her free time, Williams enjoys going to the movies and mini golfing with friends.

Adjusting to college life has been easier than Williams expected. "It helps that I play a sport and the older girls are there for me when I need it." The women's soccer team continues to act as a family atmosphere for those involved, which ultimately benefits everyone.

While soccer continues to be taxing and the homework never seems to end, Ashley Williams perseveres. This positive attitude carries her through all of life's unexpected challenges. The best part about attending Judson University for Ashley is in the fact that she is "doing so well in soccer and meeting all these wonderful people."