Shelby Williams probably thought she had beaten the biggest challenge she would face in her collegiate career when she earned a spot on the Appalachian State track and field and cross country teams.
Williams had tried out for head coach Michael Curcio during her freshman year, but her two-mile time was not impressive enough to earn a spot on the roster. But Williams decided to keep running, changing her focus from being a Mountaineer runner to becoming a marathon runner. As she trained, Curcio continued to see Williams running around town and saw potential. He encouraged her to try out again, and in her sophomore year, she earned a spot on the track team as a distance runner.
As she began to train for cross country, Williams began battling nausea. Daily, she would feel sick from the time she woke up until she fell asleep. Williams eventually went from doctor to doctor trying to find the source of her illness. In August 2012, she got her answer.
Williams had a non-malignant brain tumor.
Just 20 years old, a new challenge presented itself to Williams, and she was ready to take the challenge head on. Williams continued to train through the pain, fighting through the mental, physical and emotional tolls her diagnosis presented. Despite battling a brain tumor and daily sickness, she never complained. Williams dropped 43.16 seconds from her time in the 3,000 meters and 1:52.18 in the 5K, doing it all with a team-first attitude. In 2012, she helped the Mountaineers to a SoCon cross country title and ran a personal-best 37:42.02 in the 10,000 meters at the SoCon Track and Field Championships.
Williams also challenges herself in the classroom, majoring in physical therapy, one of Appalachian State’s most rigorous academic programs. Through practices, meets and doctor’s appointments, Williams continues to make academics her priority, and routinely makes the Dean’s List.
Despite her circumstances, Williams continues to show a positive attitude. Her coaches and teammates praise her work ethic and leadership, insisting that she never complains about what she’s been dealt. Williams continues to take everything in stride, beating the challenges she faces on an everyday basis.
Appalachian State's video series "Beyond the Ball," featuring Shelby Williams