By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–A recruiting visit to Arkansas State University checked two important boxes for Jada Williams.
As a result, she’s now officially a member of the Red Wolf basketball program.
“When I got there, it just felt like home,” claimed the rising Union City High School senior who signed a basketball scholarship with ASU Wednesday morning.
“And training for a Division I opportunity is something I’ve been doing a long time. They (Arkansas State) gave me that with a scholarship offer.”
Williams, a 5-11 guard/forward, will be a three-year starter for the Lady Tornadoes when the 2020-21 eventually begins.
She averaged nearly 12 points and 4.1 rebounds per-game last season while shooting 41 percent from the field and 72 percent from the free throw line. She helped the UC girls to a 21-win season and the spot in the regional semifinals where their season ended with a narrow loss to reigning state champion Gibson County.
Williams’ versatility, athleticism and high up-side made her an attractive recruit for Arkansas State, a member of the Sun Belt Conference.
She said she’s equally comfortable at guard and/or forward and recognizes that her height can cause a matchup nightmare for any opposition.
“I’m comfortable… wherever I can score the most points and help my team win,” she smiled. “Being 5-11, I really try to take advantage of my height when I can.”
The reality of her final season on the high school level, coupled with the uncertainty of the upcoming season due to COVID-19, has admittedly been weighing on Williams in the preseason.
“We’re really careful in practice with the social distancing thing and with trying to stay safe while still getting our work in,” she said. “Things have really been all over the place because of the coronavirus, and that’s presented some different challenges in both the offseason with AAU and in our preseason practices.
“I’m a little nervous and cautious, but I can’t wait for the season to start and have a chance to reach all our goals.”
One of hers personally is to be consistent, night-in and night-out.
“I just want to get better … every day in practice, and in every game,” she said. “I know I won’t be able to sneak up on anybody or surprise anyone. I just need to be good every time out.
“And I’m good with the expectations that are placed on me.”
She’s also at peace with her college choice.
“I really liked the environment there (at Jonesboro) and I just felt like it was where I belong,” Williams said.
Sounds like she found just what she was looking for.