THE 2021 TRACK AND FIELD SEASON WAS A BREAKTHROUGH FOR CESLEY WILLIAMS AND FORT BEND MARSHALL.
Then a junior, Williams won the Class 5A State Championship in the 400-meter-race with a personal record of 54.07 seconds and helped run the Buffs’ 4x100 relay to a gold medal as well.
As a team, Marshall finished first overall for its first-ever team State title.
Williams, the No. 5 400-meter recruit in Texas, reaped the rewards of being the best when she signed to compete at the University of Houston.
None of it’s a surprise to the confident young lady who first opened eyes as a freshman, when she finished second in the 400-meters at State.
“Freshmen usually don’t make it to State, let alone place,” said Williams, now a senior. “That’s when I knew I was going to be special. That’s when I knew my track career was going to be good.”
During her freshman year, Williams started to really understand what it took to be successful.
“I’m all about mentality,” she said. “I’m also a big fan of God and being confident in yourself. No negativity. You always have to think positive, even if you go out there and don’t do your best. Being positive and having a good relationship with God and your teammates is everything.”
VYPE talked more with the star sprinter.
VYPE: What did you take away from 2021 and all the success you had?
WILLIAMS: It was teamwork. We accomplished everything we wanted to as a team. It was a lot of practice. A lot of focus. It’s always mind over matter. I know if I’m out there thinking I’m going to win it, I’m going to win it.
VYPE: How do you build on last year? What will it take to repeat?
WILLIAMS: We’re going to defend our title and I’m going to defend my title. We’re going to win State again. We can do it. It’s about setting my goals higher and knowing I’m going to win. Knowing there’s nobody better than me.