Around the Track with Monique Williams
February 15, 2011 | Track & Field
TAMPA - Monique Williams is a sophomore sprinter and jumper from Boca Raton, Fla. and attened Olympic Heights High School. During her senior year (2009), she placed second in both the long and triple jumps at the 3A state meet.
Since coming to the University of South Florida, Williams has continued her success and looks to have another great finish at the 2011 BIG EAST Indoor Championships Feb. 19-20.
This is the first part of an ongoing series called "Around the Track", where GoUSFBulls.com sits down with members of the track and field team to find out a little more about them.
Q: Why did you come to USF?
A: I came to USF for track. I love the facility; it's really nice. The best part is the people, though. The coaches here are very positive and I know I can go far because I have their full support in whatever I do.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of track?
A: Sleeping, photography, and walking at Lettuce Lake.
Q: What kind of music do you listen to?
A: I'm pretty open to anything. But my favorite types are R&B, Soul and Jazz.
Q: What is the best part about track?
A: It's a stress reliever for me. After a good workout, I feel a lot more focused.
Q: How would you describe yourself on the field?
A: Focused and chill.
Q: What would be your dream job?
A: From being out here and running, I think I'd like to be a coach. I'm also a very caring person, so nursing would also be an option.
Q: Who's had the biggest influence on your career?
A: Definitely my brother. He's been my provider my whole life and we've been through a lot together. He's the definition of what a big brother should be.
Q: What is your favorite sports team?
A: I don't really have a favorite sports team. I like to watch basketball and if it's a good game, I'll watch whoever. I guess deep down, I like the Miami Heat.
Q: What are some of your favorite movies?
A: I love Disney. Especially animated ones. Finding Nemo, Lion King and Toy Story 3 are some of my favorites, though.
Q: What countries have you visited/do you want to visit?
A: I've been to Australia and Belize before. We went to Sydney, Alice Springs and Brisbane. The thing I remember most though was seeing the Crocodile Hunter and literally a month after we got back, we heard that he had died. We were in shock. I went to Belize on a roadtrip with my family. We drove from the U.S. through Mexico and down to Belize. It was a great experience. I'd really like to go down to the Caribbean though. I have extended family in Jamaica, so it would be cool to visit them and get to know them.
Q: Why did you choose to focus on track?
A: I played basketball, flag football and track in high school. I really just love to run, so I decided to focus more on it. But then I tried jumping and I was pretty good at it, so I started doing that.
