Jylisa Williams (Atlanta, GA) headlines a large class of new recruits to the Thunderwolves’ ’13-’14 lineup.
The coach is hoping that he hit the jackpot with Williams, his final recruit of the offseason.
Williams, a 5-foot-8 guard from Atlanta, had previously spent a year-and-a-half in the NCAA with Georgia State University, where in her debut season, she had the most points of any freshman in the Colonial Athletic Conference.
Williams was very highly recruited, but explained that she thought Lakehead would be the best fit for her.
“The team was like a family,” she said. “They came together and brought me in. I felt really comfortable around them, and basically the whole environment.”
Last season, Williams suited up for Olds College in Alberta, where she had 26.2 points per game to go along with 8.8 rebounds and 4.5 steals per contest. She also broke the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association’s single game scoring record, by putting up 52 points in a mere 24 minutes en route to being named the CCAA player of the year.
“She did play (NCAA Division I) for a year and a half at the top levels and played against some of the top players in the state of Georgia over her time as well,” Kreiner said. “I think she fits well in what we’re doing. We want to be a team that gets up and applies pressure and pushes the tempo out there. I think she can defend some of the better players in the conference and, need be, she can score as well.”
“She is one of the top players coming into the country this year and we are very fortunate to have her.”
Williams spent two years with the U.S. Army between her stint with Georgia State and the one season at Olds. She believes that her experience will help a young team.
“I bring all of it, even my experience in the Army,” she said. “The leadership and teamwork all plays a part of being on this team, and not just leading but being a student too.
“I fit into the puzzle where my piece goes. I’m going to bring my leadership and talent. . . I lead by example.”
