By Aaron Castrejon
BroncoAthletics.com
BRØNDBY, Denmark - Looking at her array of awards and accolades, it is hard to fathom how someone who was so unimpressed with volleyball could turn out to be a star in the sport. Such is the story of Vanessa Williams, a former Cal Poly Pomona student-athlete who is now playing professionally overseas.
The 6-foot-1 middle blocker from Riverside, Calif., is now a key member of the Brøndby Volleyball Klub. The league's season features 22 matches ending in late April.
"I remember thinking my freshman year of high school that volleyball was the most boring sport to watch," she said. The following season, the high school volleyball coach convinced Williams to tryout and she instantly became hooked. "As soon as I began to play I knew this was a sport I was meant to love."
Williams made quite a mark with the Broncos. She earned All-American recognition in 2008, leading the Broncos to the NCAA Pacific Regional final and a 14th-place finish nationally with a 20-8 record. Williams also helped the team win the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) championship in 2005.
In the face of such accomplishment, she remained modest and focused.
"It was important to me that I always stayed humble and level-headed," Williams said. "I'm very thankful that I was blessed with those awards. Without that attitude, I don't think I would have accomplished some of the things I have so far in my life."
CPP head coach Rosie Wegrich admired Williams' highly coachable nature and willingness to try new things on the court with little preparation.
"Vanessa was a strong role model both in the classroom and on the court," Wegrich said. "She never made excuses in her practices or competitive outcomes. She accepted responsibility at all times."
Once her senior season came to its conclusion, Williams set out to play professionally, with a goal of landing a spot overseas. She hit a few roadblocks though and thought about giving up the dream.
"I became less aggressive about it and started getting back into the 'real world' mindset and was looking for different jobs, while beginning applications for grad school," she said. "At this point almost two years had gone by and it didn't seem like playing professionally was going to be an option."
In June 2010, opportunity knocked. Williams learned of a team in Denmark that was searching for a middle blocker. She immediately spoke with Brøndby Volleyball Klub representatives and once it seemed like a good fit, she committed to the program.
Williams first set foot in Denmark in August 2010. Although it proved to be a tough first week as she became homesick, Williams persevered.
"I just told myself," she said, "'Look at where you're at right now… You are overseas doing what you love so enjoy it because the time will be done before you know it.'"
Culture shock was not so much a problem. Her fellow coaches and players were all incredibly warm and inviting.
"After about the first three days it was as if we'd known each other for months," Williams said. "It has felt like a home away from home, which made my transition so much easier."
The language barrier is also not so overwhelming, considering most of her teammates speak English to varying degrees and her fellow players also translate what their coaches are saying.
"Growing up, my parents always stressed to me that it's important to give your all and try your hardest at everything you attempt in life, whether it be in the classroom, on the court, or just everyday life," Williams said. "If you're successful in these things, it is truly a blessing."
