Jaelynn Williams' journey as a collegiate track and field athlete has been defined by perseverance, growth and a commitment to excellence. Transferring from the University of Louisville, Williams found a new home at Texas Wesleyan University in 2022, where she became a cornerstone of the track and field program. Now, as she prepares to move on, she leaves behind a legacy of resilience and leadership that will be remembered for years to come.

Williams' transition from Louisville to Texas Wesleyan was a pivotal moment in her athletic career. Coming from a highly competitive Division I program, she experienced a shift in training intensity and team dynamics. The move to Texas Wesleyan, however, provided her with a fresh start and an opportunity to help build a growing track program while finding the supportive environment she had been looking for. "We were kind of the first real generation of track athletes here, and that was exciting," Williams said.

One of the biggest adjustments for Williams was adapting to a smaller team. At Louisville, she was one of many elite athletes, but at Texas Wesleyan, she became a leader. "I got a lot more one-on-one training, and that helped me evolve as both a sprinter and a jumper," Williams said.

Her development was guided by Coach Darvis “Doc” Patton, a former Olympian whose influence was instrumental in shaping both her athletic and personal growth. "He's a blessing, truly. He took me under his wing and taught me things that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life," Williams said.

Williams’ journey was not without setbacks. Injuries were a recurring challenge, with torn hamstrings and knee problems sidelining her for months at a time. One of her most difficult experiences came during her second year at Louisville when she suffered from Piriformis Syndrome, a condition that left her unable to run. "It was my first time experiencing that kind of injury, and it was frustrating because I didn’t understand it at first," Williams said.

After sitting out an entire season and struggling to find support from doctors, trainers and her team, Williams knew she needed a change. Transferring to Texas Wesleyan gave her the support system and family environment she was missing. "The team here is truly like a family. I can call my teammates anytime, and they’ll be there for me. That’s something special," Williams said.

Despite her injuries, Williams refused to let adversity define her. Her proudest moment as a Texas Wesleyan athlete came in 2023 when the women’s team won the outdoor conference championship with just 12 athletes—a historic first for the program. "Normally, track teams have over 40 athletes, but we did it with 12! It was an incredible moment," Williams said.

Her individual accomplishments were just as impressive. At the 2022 Sooner Athletic Conference Championships, Williams turned heads with a dominant performance, scoring between 36 and 40 points on her own. "That was the moment when everybody in the conference knew who I was," she said. It was a defining meet in her career, solidifying her as one of the top competitors in the NAIA.

Williams came to Texas Wesleyan with a goal of building something meaningful, and as she prepares to graduate, she feels that mission has been accomplished. "I wanted to create a family, a team, something to be proud of. I think we did that. We set a culture and a standard that will carry on even after I leave."

As for how she wants to be remembered, she put it simply: "The first to ever do it. Someone who never gave up, didn’t listen to the doubters, and always set the tone," Williams said.

Looking ahead, Williams is considering a future in coaching. With experience competing at both the Division I and NAIA levels, she believes she can help young athletes navigate their own journeys. However, she’s also keeping an open mind about other opportunities, including potentially joining the military. "Ninety percent of me wants to coach. I feel like I have so much knowledge to give back to the sport. We’ll see where life takes me, but track will always be a part of who I am," Williams said.

As she steps off the track for the final time as a collegiate athlete, Williams leaves behind more than just records and titles. She leaves a legacy of determination, leadership and heart—a legacy that will inspire future Texas Wesleyan athletes to chase their dreams just as she did.

This story was written by Kamryn Gibson.