Courage's Williams ready for any role on Olympics soccer stage
Posted July 23, 2021 6:21 p.m. EDT
From Wake Med Soccer Park to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Lynn Williams is on the biggest sports stage of her career, something she’s worked for her entire life.
Although Team USA dropped their first game, 3-0 to Sweden, Williams and her teammates are determined to bring home gold.
"This can't happen again,” Williams said of that opening round loss in the Olympic women’s soccer tournament.
“It wasn’t good. It wasn’t good enough by any means, but this is a time to put our character to the test.”
Williams and her teammates vow to be better for their next matchup Saturday against New Zealand.
“We are always known for our tenacity and our fight, so that’s what we have to do. We have to strap in," she said.
Williams says with no fans in the stands, it's a challenge to remain focused.
"I wish they were there," she said. "When the announcers announce things, you could almost picture as if there were a crowd, and you kind of just have to create that crowd and the energy in your own head and within yourself.”
Williams is an alternate on the roster right now, but with adjusted rules at this Olympics due to COVID, she could get the call up to the main squad at any moment.
“I figured, you know what, l just have to stay ready, and if anything were to happen but also support my teammates in whatever role they needed me to be in. So if that’s the best cheerleader, then I’m gonna be the best."
