From sports to song: Danville’s Josiah WIlliams excels
DANVILLE, Ill. — Josiah Williams is a very active and talented junior at Danville High School, which would come as no surprise to anyone familiar with this young man.
From a very early age, his parents, Uylessee and Natalie Williams, steered him to great things. “They encourage me to be always active,” Josiah says, “To find a spot you like.” Josiah certainly liked sports, and sports liked him. He began playing tennis at age 3, and baseball and basketball at age 5. Right away, he was seen as something special in athletics.
An early favorite activity was youth baseball, not because of athletic success, but because he was able to forge great friendships. An early favorite coach was his North Ridge Middle School cross country Coach Robinson, who now works at Danville High School. “He took me in,” Josiah fondly remembers. And by the way, Josiah qualified for state at NRMS in both wrestling and cross country. All this while maintaining straight A’s, with Algebra as his favorite subject.
Josiah made a successful transfer to DHS his freshman year on several levels. Not only did he make honor roll, he was a great competitor in cross country, wrestling, and baseball. Josiah said it was a little unexpected “how people grow together, the bonds you build.”
Josiah’s sophomore year saw a big jump in athletic maturity, cutting almost 90 seconds off his cross-country time. “I really went up another level that year,” Josiah feels. It ain’t braggin’ if you can do it (NOT Josiah’s words!).
Josiah especially enjoys watching his teammates in their successes, from them making Sectionals to hitting personal bests. Success is certainly contagious! Success in cross county was contagious, with many of his friends also trying out for the team. There really is a domino effect in sports!
Going up yet another level his junior year, Josiah sports a 26-2 record in wrestling at the time of the interview. It is anticipated he will advance to the State Finals. Regionals began February 8, so let’s cheer for Josiah (and his teammates) all the way to State!
Josiah loves talking about what his parents, have told him. “Don’t focus on the past, the future is in your hands. That’s what you control.” Sage advice indeed.
What are Josiah’s plans after high school? “I want to get a degree in music education,” he says. Where would he like to go? “Wherever the winds take me.” No one who knows Josiah is surprised that his future isn’t focused on sports. He began playing piano in the first grade, and currently plays for school groups such as the DHS Jazz Band.
While many teens like to sleep in on the weekend, Josiah doesn’t always take time off. He also plays piano at the Union Missionary Baptist Church, where his dad is the pastor.
Wherever the winds eventually take him, Josiah will certainly be well anchored in sports, songs, and faith.
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