Williams at James Clemens wins state track championship
Kayla Williams from James Clemens won the state championship for long jump and took second place for triple jump. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – Kayla Williams made a good decision at her sixth-grade field day. The sophomore at James Clemens High School holds the state championship for long jump (18-04.00).
State records are 18-07.25 for long jump and 40-04.25 for triple jump.
In addition, Williams took second place in triple jump (37-07.50) at the AHSAA State Indoor 1A-6A Championship on Feb. 3-4 at the Birmingham Crossplex.
“I am ranked first in the state in all classifications for long jump and third in the state for all classifications in triple jump,” Williams said.
After running a relay at that field day, Williams became interested in track. She previously trained with Coach Elan Gaddy and his son during summers to improve speed for basketball.
Track’s diverse events interest her. “The track family at James Clemens really is your family,” Williams said. “Everyone strives to help you to move forward. It is a great atmosphere.”
After her work at James Clemens, she discovered that she enjoys sprinting and jumping.
Along with Gaddy, her coaches are Drew Bell and Scott Seeley. “All my coaches help equally when it comes to jumping. They do a good job,” Williams said.
“I’m proud to be a Jet,” Williams said.
“I have to say my strengths in track would have to be legs. Due to their length and muscles, I (can) finish strong in relays and jump as far as possible,” Williams said.
In weakness, her habits from basketball cause her form to be off. “Eating habits are another thing I struggle with. Track is nothing like basketball,” she said.
At James Clemens, she participates in First Priority and the Student Advisory. She is enrolled in honor and advance-placement courses.
Kayla’s parents are Reginald and Satonya Williams. They both work as engineers. Kayla’s brothers are Reginald (R.J.) III, 17, who also attends James Clemens and Xavier Williams, 10, who attends Columbia Elementary School.
