December 10, 2011

It wasn't a perfect season for the Monticello girls' volleyball team, but little successes throughout the fall were always found by senior captain Mariah Williams.

Williams helped guide the Mustangs to a 14-win record in her second season as a captain, pushing her teammates to reach their potential on and off the court.

"We talk with our seniors about leaving the program in a better place than when they came in," said fourth-year coach John Mitchem. "She's really done that, raising the level of competition in our gym."

In 2010 Mariah set the single season assist record at Monticello with 812 assists. This year the setter put up similar numbers, earning another spot on the Jefferson District all-star squad.

Academically, Mariah challenges herself with AP courses at Monticello and is also a member of the improvisation and drama clubs. This winter and spring, Mariah will seek the attention of college volleyball coaches in hopes of playing at the next level. She will play for Crossroads Volleyball Club, recently founded by Coach Mitchem. In his opinion, it won't be hard for his senior start to be noticed.

"With my college coaching experience before coming here, Mariah's the type of competitive athlete you want in the gym everyday. She's the type of kid that's going to push people in practice."

"I see a ton of opportunity going into this travel season," said Mariah. "Not only for the competitive level that we're going to be on but, also college and stuff like that. It's been a goal of mine to play college volleyball."