The Calvin Sports Information office recently caught up with Calvin sophomore Elizabeth Williams who is spending the spring semester studying overseas in Spain. On the pitch, Williams has been an all-conference midfielder for the Knights while also achieving high marks in the classroom. This fall she was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team in women's soccer while helping the Knights capture their second straight MIAA regular season crown as well as their first trip to the NCAA III Tournament since 2015.
CALVIN SPORTS INFORMATION OFFICE Q AND A WITH ELIZABETH WILLIAMS
Can you tell us a little bit about your semester overseas? Where are you studying? How did it come about and how is it fitting into your academic plan of study?
I am studying in Oviedo, Spain at the University of Oviedo. As a Spanish major, I knew I would be studying abroad for a semester at some point in college, and after lots of deliberating, I decided that my sophomore year would be best. I chose the spring semester to be abroad so that I wouldn't miss our fall soccer season. I'm taking classes here that also fulfill core and psychology requirements so that I stay on track with my studies.
What has it been like to spend a semester abroad? Any highlights? Any challenges?
It has been the experience of a lifetime. The highlight of my time here has definitely been playing on a Spanish team and getting to know everyone. Spaniards are pretty awesome. While the biggest difficulty for me has been trying to navigate relationships and daily life in a different language and culture, it has also been a very fun challenge that has stretched me a ton.
To follow – what is your academic major(s) and what do you hope to do down the road?
I am studying Spanish and Psychology and I honestly have no idea what I am going to do in the future. A few ideas I have include play therapy, sports psychology, or some type of ABA therapy. I am studying Spanish to be able to connect with more people and broaden my worldview. Once I graduate from Calvin, I plan on taking a few gap years while I figure out what exactly I want to do with psychology, and then and I'll go to grad school.
Getting back to soccer or football as they call it where you are living currently – how did you start playing soccer and did you play any other sports growing up? How did you gravitate to soccer as you got older?
My dad got me started with soccer as soon as I could walk. I also did gymnastics when I was little but transitioned to just soccer as I got older. Soccer became a passion in middle school and my love for the sport has only grown since. Being part of a team and working together to overcome everything is such an amazing experience and has really shaped who I am today.
What led you to choose Division III and Calvin as your destination to be a student-athlete?
I've lived in Grand Rapids since middle school, so Calvin has always been on my radar. I did a soccer camp and decided I really liked the atmosphere and then after a few academic visits and interviews, I decided I also really liked Calvin academically. I chose D3 because I really like how my coaches and professors work with me so that I can thrive both academically and athletically.
You were part of two MIAA championship Calvin women's soccer teams in a span of about six months. Can you describe what that has been like – being a part of back-to-back conference champions and adjusting to playing at the collegiate level?
Being able to be a part of two championships so close together was amazing. It's awesome to see what our team can do together. I'd say the biggest difference between my high school and college soccer experience has been the level of discipline and hard work. To play at a collegiate level you have to really want to be there, or you'll never make it. I love playing with so many amazing women who want to win as much as I do and put in the necessary work every single day.
What is it like to play for Coach Emily Ottenhoff? Are there any things she passes on as a former center midfielder?
I love playing for Coach Ottenhoff. She knows how to push us and prepare us for whatever is coming next. It's a good mix of serious hard work and lighthearted fun. Her passion for the game comes through clearly in her coaching. I love always knowing what is expected of me and that I have the support to get where I need to be.
How would you describe how soccer (football) is viewed or experience where you are currently living? Have you been to any games or followed any of the media coverage of the sport – both men's and women's?
Soccer is super popular here. There is a game on the television in pretty much every restaurant. My host family is also very into soccer and there is always a game on in the living room. There is a huge rivalry between Madrid and Barcelona and one of the first questions I am asked is which team I prefer—it's a lot like Michigan versus Michigan State. I went to a men's Real Oviedo FC game, which was super fun, and have been to many women's games. It's been amazing to be surrounded by so many people who are also passionate about soccer.
Any thoughts on Calvin women's soccer for next fall? Are you looking forward to next season?
I have many thoughts about Calvin women's soccer next fall. Most importantly, I can't wait to be back with the team and give it everything with my favorite people.
