The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Williams named Longhorn PRIDE Student-Athlete of the Month
12.12.2007 | Women's Basketball
When Earnesia Williams was asked what her "I'd rather be..." bumper sticker would be if she could design her own, she replied, "Architect. I'd rather be an architect."
Interesting.
You see, the Sapulpa, Okla., resident had to be an "architect" with regard to her own basketball career at Texas following a serious knee injury only six games into her true freshman season (2005-06). It happened during her first start against Duke.
An ACL tear in her right knee caused Williams to have to undergo reconstructive surgery and sit out the remainder of her freshman season.
That she worked hard to come back was no surprise to Dr. Randa Ryan, the senior associate athletics director for student services.
"In scientific terms," Ryan says, "work is often defined as the transfer of energy. In student-athlete terms, work is defined as Earnie Williams, as she is transferring energy all day long. I often observe student-athletes working hard on their studies and Earnie is one of the most consistent and dedicated students you might ever find on campus."
Thus, the selection of Williams as the Female Student-Athlete of the Month for December, likewise, is no surprise.
Williams, who was voted the team's most valuable player and the team's Academic MVP last season, is an Academic All-America and also a member of the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll. She is an information technology major and intends to have a business in computer technology when her post-Texas basketball career is completed.
"One of the reasons I chose Texas was for its academic reputation," said Williams, who also admits to gentle nudging from her mom who always suggested that she keep Texas in mind when she evaluated colleges.
A member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, Williams was the recipient of the UT Women's Athletics Harry and Silky Crockett Endowed Presidential Scholarship.
"Earnie never misses a class, always meets with her teachers and then spends hours on her homework and class preparation," Ryan said.
Williams notes that her personal goal for this season is "to have fun -- and win."
Ryan praised Williams for her work on the court, too.
"Everyone knows how hard Earnie works there," Ryan said. "But I can be the first to tell you that Earnie puts the same effort and determination into her education."
That's Williams.
"I just want to do things the right way," she said.
