Fordham University senior sprinter Alexandra Williams opened the outdoor season with a win in the 200 meters at the Army West Point Open. Last weekend, the Elmont Memorial High School (Nassau County, Long Island) graduate headed to Raleigh Relays in North Carolina, competing in the 200 and 400 meters. With several college offers upon graduating from Elmont, Williams detailed why she chose to pursue her post high school path at the Bronx campus.
“I picked Fordham because I wanted to have a balance of academics and athletics,” said Williams, a Queens native studying prelaw. “I stayed with Fordham because I feel like I’ve made such great connections with people. A lot of friendships turn into sisterhood. Also, the training program, I kept progressing each year, dropping times. I felt I was also gaining a great rapport with the coaches and they understood what I needed to get better.
“Keeping a resilient mindset has helped me a lot as well,” she added. “There are always going to be rough times … but I don’t need a lot to run well. My mindset keeps me going.”
Over her four years at Fordham, Williams has increased her mental toughness. While she does have some anxiety, she’s learned how to focus and perform, calling on her family’s Caribbean roots. By reassuring herself of her preparation, she’s able to calm down.
“I know that every room I step into, I’m made to be here; every race that I’m in, everyone around me, I’m in the same boat as them, so I can definitely get it done,” said Williams. “My best event, I would say, is the 400 meters. My stride frequency is very 400.”
She admires Allyson Felix and says thinking of Felix’s accomplishments has given her strength. “In the 400, every time I step up to the line, I know it’s going to hurt, but I kind of just embrace the pain and turn it into an experience. Whatever happens, happens, but I give it my all,” Williams said.
Williams plans to work as a paralegal after graduation. She has started studying for the LSATs and will take them next year. She wants to become an attorney to advocate for marginalized groups, perhaps in employment law where she can address workplace discrimination. Being a student-athlete has been great preparation.
“Maybe law school will be easier for me to manage my time because I had so much on my plate during undergrad,” she said. “Now, the sky’s the limit once I go to law school.”
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