University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
/ Gymnastics
Photo by: Christopher Mitchell
Black History Month: Paige Williams
2/19/2021 5:00:00 PM | Gymnastics
Gopher Athletics is celebrating those who made us great in honor of Black History Month.
Paige Williams competed as a member of the women's gymnastics team from 2017-2020 and holds a share of the program's individual floor record (9.975). Another highlight of her career, Williams took second place on floor at the 2019 Big Ten Championships with a score of 9.925. She graduated with a degree in Business Marketing Education (BME) in the spring of 2020.
GopherSports: What does Black History Month mean to you?
Paige Williams: Black History Month has always been about taking time to celebrate the history of Black greatness and recognizing the accomplishments of leaders who helped shape America. With the events that occurred last summer my perspective has shifted, being that it happened so close to our campus in Minneapolis. We must continue to come together, educate ourselves and others to help overcome some of the struggles we are still facing today with social injustice.
GS: How have you been influenced or inspired by other Black athletes, role models, or leaders in your life?
PW: I would say Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles have definitely had an influence on me. They are both young Black women dominating in a predominantly white sport and making history. It's always nice to see someone that looks like you doing the sport you love on a professional level, and on top of that winning Olympic gold medals. They are both huge role models for many and continue to inspire young athletes especially those of color.
GS: If you could give young gymnasts of color any piece of advice, what would it be?
PW: My advice to young gymnasts of color would be to continue to strive for greatness and remember to always embrace who you are and be yourself. Representation matters, so keep going and never give up because you could be the person to inspire the next young girl.
Paige Williams competed as a member of the women's gymnastics team from 2017-2020 and holds a share of the program's individual floor record (9.975). Another highlight of her career, Williams took second place on floor at the 2019 Big Ten Championships with a score of 9.925. She graduated with a degree in Business Marketing Education (BME) in the spring of 2020.
GopherSports: What does Black History Month mean to you?
Paige Williams: Black History Month has always been about taking time to celebrate the history of Black greatness and recognizing the accomplishments of leaders who helped shape America. With the events that occurred last summer my perspective has shifted, being that it happened so close to our campus in Minneapolis. We must continue to come together, educate ourselves and others to help overcome some of the struggles we are still facing today with social injustice.
GS: How have you been influenced or inspired by other Black athletes, role models, or leaders in your life?
PW: I would say Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles have definitely had an influence on me. They are both young Black women dominating in a predominantly white sport and making history. It's always nice to see someone that looks like you doing the sport you love on a professional level, and on top of that winning Olympic gold medals. They are both huge role models for many and continue to inspire young athletes especially those of color.
GS: If you could give young gymnasts of color any piece of advice, what would it be?
PW: My advice to young gymnasts of color would be to continue to strive for greatness and remember to always embrace who you are and be yourself. Representation matters, so keep going and never give up because you could be the person to inspire the next young girl.
Follow Women's Gymnastics
Press Conference: Gymnastics Season Wrap
Wednesday, April 22
Highlights: NCAA Finals
Saturday, April 18
NCAA Finals Hype
Saturday, April 18
Press Conference: Gophers Advance to Finals
Friday, April 17