TaNaja Williams jumps to the University of Mobile
Published 12:05 am Saturday, May 9, 2020
- TaNaja Williams is eager to continue her track career at the University of Mobile.
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LAPLACE — TaNaja Williams of LaPlace has what it takes to go the distance. Strong in soul and spirit, she has the athletic prowess to shine on the University of Mobile’s track and field team.
While Williams received interest from other schools, she knew the University of Mobile was the best choice for her future after visiting the campus earlier this year.
“I really liked their nursing program, and of course I got the opportunity to run track as well,” she said. “It felt like home, and I just loved the family and Christian environment.”
Williams, a graduating senior at John Curtis Christian School, has participated in track since middle school. Her main events are long jump, triple jump, and running the 100m, 200m and relay races.
TaNaja Williams makes a long horizontal leap. She has excelled in track and field events.
Triple jump has been one of Williams’ strongest events. She holds a personal record of 34’9” and was named the 2018 AAU Regional Triple Jump Champion. That same year, she was the triple jump champion for District 9-5A and a triple jump finalist for Region 3-5A.
She was named a Division I indoor triple jump state finalist in 2019 and 2020.
Additionally, Williams was a Junior Olympic qualifier for AAU long jump and triple jump. Her long jump personal record is an impressive 16’9”.
“I enjoy jumping the most and going to the track meets because you get to meet different people,” Williams said. Her travels have included meets in Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Houston, Alabama and other points across the south.
Williams aspires to advance to nationals each year with her collegiate team while pursuing a degree in nursing.
“I like helping people,” she said. “I’m a very caring and compassionate person, and nursing has stuck out to me since I was a little kid.”
Williams is well prepared for the challenge. She maintained a nearly perfect 3.9 GPA in high school as an honors scholar. She balanced academics and athletics while playing baritone in band for three years. Additionally, she was an active member of Interact Club, Spirit Club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
TaNaja Williams is an honors scholar with a 3.9 GPA.
Through Interact, she has provided food for individuals with special needs and supported toy drives for the less fortunate.
Faith has been an important part of her life at Destiny Christian Center in LaPlace.
When she’s not running track with her school team, Williams participates in the local St. John Legends Track Club operated by Coach Mark Creecy.
COVID-19 and social distancing have put the summer track season in question, but Creecy said the young Legends athletes are building their strength with at-home workouts.
Push-ups, squats, burpees and running in place are examples of exercises that can be done indoors, according to Creecy. Workout schedules are posted to the St. John Legends Track Club Facebook page.
Williams is one of the senior members of the group, which includes young athletes ages 4 to 18.
