CAC senior Christyn Williams wins gold in China, strives for same in Italy

San Francisco, China, Colorado, Italy.

By the end of this summer senior Christyn Williams will have visited – and played basketball – at each of these locations all while wearing an official USA jersey.

Williams, who plays guard for the Lady Mustangs, was selected to participate as one of four members on the USA Women’s National U18 team and compete at the FIBA 3×3 World Championships in Chengdu, China. Together they trained in San Francisco, traveled to China, and walked away with an undefeated tournament record (7-0) and the gold medal.

Last summer, Christyn played on the US Women’s National U17 team at the same tournament and helped the team to capture the bronze medal in Spain.

“It feels great (to win gold),” Christyn said. “Especially since I know what bronze feel like. It’s just an honor to see my hard work paying off.”

When she says hard work, she means it. Christyn is currently carefully nursing an injured ankle while preparing to compete at the 5×5 U19 World Cup in Undine, Italy.

“I rolled my ankle during training camp while we were in San Francisco and it got a lot better when we got to China. Then I rolled it again the day before the tournament started in China, and it was legitimately sprained then. It’s a lot better now, but I’m getting it taped for practices.”

After flying home from China, Williams took a couple of days off, then made the trek to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado to begin practicing with her USA Women’s National U19 teammates. They fly to Italy on Saturday, July 15, and will compete in the tournament from July 22-30. Besides having the opportunity to play more basketball, Christyn said she is excited to experience the Italian culture, learn about the language and have fun with her teammates.

Speaking of teammates, Williams is the youngest member of the U19 team, and the only one without collegiate playing experience. She said working with the other athletes has helped her gain confidence and truly believe that she can do anything she puts her mind to.

“I really appreciate the constant and unconditional support CAC has given me over the years – it doesn’t go unnoticed. I’m looking forward to having another chance at winning a state championship my senior year!”

To keep up with Christyn and her teammates in Italy, follow @CACLadyMustangs on Twitter!