Originating from St. George, Barbados, Mark Williams is entering his first season playing for the UIS men’s soccer team. He is a versatile player, with the ability to play either the Middlefield or the Forward position. This season he has played in four games with one start and his Shots on Goal (SOG) percentage at .375; a good start for a freshman.
Williams began playing soccer at the age of 12, while in what Barbados calls, “secondary school.” He said that he played when he was younger, but he was influenced by his best friend to compete more actively. He said that one of his closest friends back home “encouraged” him to play for his [Williams’ best friend] club soccer team. His best friend may have encouraged him to pay soccer, but Williams draws inspiration from Lionel Messi, his favorite player. Messi plays on Williams’ favorite team, Barcelona.
Previously Williams played for Harrison College in Barbados and then he played for Putnam City North in Oklahoma. He played there as an exchange student his senior year of high school. Williams was also active as a club soccer player.
Williams stated his favorite play of all time was when he went to England with his club in 2007. He said, “We played a team and we were losing 2-0 and I scored either the 1st or 2nd goal, and we came back and won.”
“My biggest accomplishment was playing on the youth national team” said Williams.
Williams had other offers to play soccer at the collegiate level but chose UIS because he “didn’t want to go to too big of school.” He went on to say that he is an accounting major and this school “has a really good business school.”
After college Williams said he wants to enter into the field of “forensic accounting.” Williams is not only here on a sports scholarship, but an academic scholarship as well. He is in the Capital Scholars Honors program and has a clear goal set of what he wants to do with his life beyond soccer.
Managing time wisely, between maintaining the grades necessary to succeed in rigorous CAP courses, is difficult enough without other responsibilities. Having to juggle practice, homework, games, and an adequate social life is strenuous. Williams said, “I do find time for homework, but even if we don’t have practice for a very long time I’m pretty tired so I don’t really feel like doing my homework…” He went on to say “I still have to do my homework and I still do…”
Williams continues to enjoy playing soccer. He said that the soccer team is “really close” and would consider the team his family away from home. As far as academic goals he plans to get his MBA [master of business administration], his CPA [certified public accountant].
