Mean Green Bound: Fort Bend Marshall’s Janai Williams commits to North Texas

HOUSTON – Throughout an athlete’s career it is inevitable that there will be adversity and injuries.

For Fort Bend Marshall’s Janai Williams both of those statements ring true to her track career. But when faced with those she has done nothing but overcome.

Last year, Williams stood atop the podium at Mike A. Meyers Stadium as a part of the 5A State Champion 4X100-meter relay team and eventual team State Champion Fort Bend Marshall Buffs girls track and field team.

Earlier in April, Williams added another accomplishment as she verbally committed to the University of North Texas to continue her track career.

“It means so much to continue track on the college level because of the adversity and setbacks from injuries that I have faced throughout my track career,” Williams said. “In my recruiting process although I had many interests in the end North Texas was the first school to pursue me and saw me as a key to a growth in their program. I love the dynamic and bond the team has created over the past few years as well as the vision for the future that the coach has for the team.”

Williams has grown up in an athletic household – she’s a coach’s kid. Her father James serves as the head football coach at Fort Bend Marshall High School.

“My parents (James and Alveda) have undoubtedly played a major role in my athletic upbringing,” Williams said. “My dad being the head football coach at Fort Bend Marshall High School has set high expectations for me in the sports world, but it has done nothing but motivate me to become the athlete I am today.”

So far this season, Williams has set new personal bests in the 100-meter dash (12.25) and the 200-meter dash (24.81), which she wants to break the school record in.

Williams also wants to advance to the UIL State Track & Field Meet in the 200-meter dash, which she finished ninth in at the Region III-5A Meet a year ago. As a team goal, she wants to help Fort Bend Marshall, which won its first-ever girls track & field state championship last year, to do just that again.

As far as inspiration on the track – that comes from Olympian Gabby Thomas.

“She is a big inspiration to me in the track world because I see myself in her,” Williams said. “From our build to running the same events. Seeing someone who looks like me do nothing but great things motivates me everyday.”