Jordan Williams signs with Chowan

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on May 21, 2009 1:46 PM

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Messenger Sports Writer

DUDLEY -- Innocent conversations sometimes lead to life-changing opportunities.

Jordan Williams is proof.

While weeding through a maze colleges he considered attending, the Southern Wayne catcher learned about Chowan University during a conversation with one of his father's friends. The lanky senior filled out a recruiting questionnaire and a Hawks coach traveled to Dudley to watch Williams play.

Each must have been impressed with the other.

Williams signed a national letter-of-intent with the Division II program, which just completed its first season as a full-fledged member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

"I went up their to tour the facilities and I was really impressed by their program," said Williams. "The coaches came down to see me play and everything kind of fell into place from there. I am ready to go in and do whatever they ask me to do.

"I can play the outfield or catch, and I really don't have a preference. So, I'll play wherever or whenever the team needs me."

Williams' versatility will be important at the college level. A three-year starter for the Saints, he has developed into a valuable asset behind the plate the past two seasons.

"Jordan has the right mentality going into the college game," said Southern Wayne head coach Trae McKee. "If he is willing to work hard and get better every day, he certainly has an opportunity to work his way on to the field. Everyone has to compete to earn playing time at that level.

"If one player isn't producing, it presents an opportunity for someone else and hopefully Jordan will be ready to make the most of his chances."

Williams has been given a weight-lifting schedule and plans to move to Murfreesboro before fall baseball gets started. Chowan completed its 2009 campaign with a 23-18 worksheet, including a season-ending loss to in-state DII rival Mount Olive College.

Williams hasn't thought about a return trip to Wayne County as a freshman with the Hawks.

"I know that they play every year, but I haven't really thought about it," said Williams. "I am sure that if I get to play in Mount Olive, there will be a lot of friends and family here to watch, so it should be a great experience."

Williams batted .318 for the Saints this season and helped the team advance to the N.C. High School Athletic Association playoffs. He guided the Saints to the Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference football championship as a junior and an appearance in the eastern semifinals that season.

Williams is a member of the National Honor Society and Science Club.