May 11, 2010

COLUMBIA, Ky. – The students at John Adair Intermediate School had been hearing about the importance of the upcoming C.A.T.S. testing from their teachers for weeks, but sometimes it takes a different twist to motivate young minds.

Enter Chris Williams, a national-champion English soccer player from Lindsey Wilson College, singing Sweet Home Alabama and bouncing soccer balls off his head to do just that.

The Flint, Wales natives visit wasn’t all about bouncing balls and strums of a guitar, but the amount of work he put in on the field and in the classroom to be able to do those things so well.

“Whether it’s becoming a good soccer player, learning to play guitar or doing well on a test, I hoped to show the kids it all goes back to the hard work you’re willing to put in,” said Williams.

When Paula Garrison, the Director of Family Resources at John Adair, contacted Lindsey Wilson looking for a student-athlete to help prepare the children for testing, the college’s Director of Civic Engagement and Student Leadership Amy Thompson-Wells new instantly who she wanted to bring.

“Chris, being a musician, soccer player and great student, is a fantastic role model and inspiration to young kids,” said Thompson-Wells. “He loved playing guitar, talking to the kids and showing off soccer tricks and told us anytime we’d like him to go again, he was ready for it.”

Garrison added that the determination that Williams talked about left a lasting impression on her school’s children.

“Chris motivated the students by showing how he is determined to be a great soccer player and musician,” said Garrison. “Amy explained to the students how Chris has to practice and use concentration to reach his goals, just like students have to work hard in class and be dedicated to doing their best on the test to show what they have learned.”

Thompson-Wells works regularly placing Lindsey Wilson student-athletes in volunteer settings throughout Columbia and finds that an athlete with Chris’ background and ability is usually a sure bet to inspire kids in the community.

“The schools like our athletes to come help the children prepare for testing,” added Thompson-Wells. “With Chris being a top soccer player and musician, he is someone who can inspire the kids and be a role model for his work ethic.”

Being a role model is something Williams says is very humbling and rewarding.

“I was overwhelmed when I was asked to go to the school,” admitted Williams. “Being a role model to anyone is overwhelming, no matter the age or status.”

Lindsey Wilson’s outreach in the community isn’t just limited to schools as student-athletes get involved everywhere from nursing homes and juvenile detention centers to the local animal shelter.

Being an NAIA Champions of Character institution gives the college pride in taking its student-athletes out into the local community.

“Going out into the community shows what kind of student-athletes we produce at Lindsey Wilson,” said Thompson-Wells. “They can show kids that to be successful you have to work hard and be dedicated.”

Williams, who has two years left at Lindsey Wilson to finish up his degree, is sure he’ll be looking to make more stops at the local schools.

Apart from being a leader in the community, Williams is also a leader on the field as he was named the NAIA National Soccer Championship’s Most Valuable Player after leading the Blue Raiders to their seventh national championship last year.

Before returning to school in the fall, Williams will spend the summer playing for the Baton Rouge (La.) Capitals of the Premier Development League to make sure he is ready for the 2010 season.

And when he comes back, a call to return to John Adair will likely come very soon.

“We appreciate Chris taking the time to come to John Adair,” said Garrison. “Chris’ talents helped the students to be focused during testing and to work toward their goals for the future.”