Friends, family, coaches, teachers, and many more gathered in the learning commons on Wednesday, Jan. 8 to see a rare talent commit to a top university. Cooper Williams put the pen to paper to play at the next level for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He announced his commitment to throw shotput for the track and field team on August 15, 2024.
“You know, I feel very blessed, very happy to give this great opportunity. I feel like, you know, it’s very honored to get the chance to compete at the next level,” Williams says.
As a freshman, Williams had a PR (personal record) of “around 41/42 feet.” While an impressive start for a high schooler, Williams knew he had a long way to go if he wanted to join his siblings in D1 athletics. Coach Rob Raisbeck noted at his signing that these numbers were not going to get him a scholarship at an ACC school. From here, though, Williams saw continued and consistent growth. He increased his distance by 10 ft by his sophomore year and then another 10 ft by his junior year, a feat that Raisbeck acknowledges, “doesn’t just happen.”
“As a junior, nobody has thrown the shot as far as this guy right here, so that’s quite an accomplishment,” Coach Rob Raisbeck said. “Not to wish his life away, but we’re really looking forward to getting into the championship season here over the next month, and hopefully Cooper will bring home some gold to Davie County.”
Williams has been separating himself from other competition in many meets throwing a minimum of 5 feet farther than any other thrower. As Diane Williams, his mother and coach, acknowledges, these accomplishments are no accident.
“Cooper throws and lifts almost every day—snow, rain, scorching hot weather, morning, noon, and night,” his mother says. “He has thrown on his birthday, other holidays, and even when we are on vacation. The dedication is what it takes to succeed and to move on to the next level. I have never had to tell him to go practice. He just does it, and he loves it. He has dedication and determination!”
Williams had a new PR last year that was just over 63 ft and broke many records including the junior class state record and the school record, which was previously held by his brother, Spencer Williams. His impressive stats make him the favorite to win states next month.
These stats also piqued the interest of many schools, ultimately leading him to Chapel Hill. When asked about his decision to become a Tar Heel, he mentioned that it was the coaching staff that won him over.
“I was talking to the coach, and he felt the most human,” Williams said. “You know, most coaches, not to sound mean, but most coaches seem, like, robotic. There’s like, that’s the sport. But Nick far really connected to me, like, on a personal level, he was a friend, yeah, just a coach, and the team. Everybody’s been super nice.”
Williams also gets to join his oldest brother Spencer at Chapel Hill where he also throws for the Track and field team.
“I’m really happy, you know, I get to spend another year with him,” Williams said.
As far as the future, Williams has many plans for continuing shotput and has already set goals he plans on accomplishing during his time at Carolina.
“Cooper would ultimately love to compete in the Olympics and, of course, be the ACC champion and NCAA champion,” his mother says. “His dedication to the sport will definitely help him do great things at the next level.” She believes the college experience will be rewarding for her son in many ways. From her perspective, the benefits go beyond what her son can achieve athletically.
“The scholarship helps, but athletes do get tutoring if needed, and he can register for his classes early,” Diane Williams says. “I think to be a part of a team where everyone was the best in their state and they are all dedicated will be a great experience for Cooper. The UNC track team is a great group of young adults and they have phenomenal coaches. This will push Cooper to continue to work hard in school and on the field.”
Williams wants to leave some words of wisdom for what he hopes for the track team and the throwers for years to come.
“You know, spirit to like, keep practicing, keep training, and just find the heart and the drive to push further and further and further.”
