2008 Woodie Awards
Williams keeps opponents scoreless
Harold McIlvain II
Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: Sports
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In 11 games this season, Williams has recorded six shutouts and only allowed five goals.
Coming into the season, expectations were that Williams would do well, and she is living up to those expectations on the field so far, said Arkansas assistant coach Steve Oliver.
"Brittni is doing very well," Oliver said. "She comes from a good club [that] has a good background. We anticipated her doing very well [at the start of the season], and she is living up to that. Hopefully, that will carry on. She is a great keeper and will only get better."
Not only has she caught the attention of opposing teams, but also of the Southeastern Conference, as she was named Freshman of the Week three weeks ago, becoming just the second Lady'Back to do so in history. In that week of performances against Louisiana Tech and Centenary, Williams made six saves against 16 shots and did not allow a goal as she recorded her fourth shutout of the season.
Williams is just what Arkansas coach Gordon Henderson needed to fit his defense first strategy he has set in place here at Arkansas, he said.
"It's no great secret that since I've arrived here, that we want to build from the back and go forward," Henderson said. "I think we have a great goalkeeper in goal. [Williams] has already been recognized by the SEC, and I think as the year pans out, she will be an invaluable tool for us. She has great range in the box and has superb shot-stopping ability."
Williams was a great addition to the team and will impact the team throughout her career as goalkeeper for Arkansas, Henderson said.
"We are certainly glad that [Williams] chose us over UCLA," Henderson said. "I think that she'll be one of the best goalkeepers in the SEC for years to come as she develops her technical and tactical repertoire."
Coinciding with her ability is the defense that has brought good, consistent play to the pitch this year when they play four back defenders and even when they play just three, Henderson said.
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