Posted on Friday, November 08, 2024
At this year's Homecoming celebration, Calvin Williams '74 returned to familiar ground. The West Point, Georgia, native who arrived at LC in 1970 with dreams of playing basketball would become much more—the institution's first African American student-athlete and a transformative figure whose impact still resonates today.
His journey began with belief in possibility. “Being on the basketball team was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” Williams said, recalling those early days. “Coach Al Mariotti gave me a chance, and I was determined to make the most of it.”
That determination fueled a remarkable career. As Williams found his footing on the court, his natural leadership emerged alongside his athletic talent. During his tenure from 1970-1974, he not only set records but established new standards of excellence, becoming the college’s first basketball All-American. The 1971-72 season showcased his full potential – NAIA Honorable Mention honors, NAIA District 25 Most Valuable Player award, and a school record of 24.8 points per game.
Yet for Williams, personal achievements were always connected to something larger. “Basketball is a team sport,” he emphasized. “Individual accolades are never truly individual—they're impossible without your teammates. Their support was instrumental in building a successful program together.”
Charting new territory
The transition to college life brought its own challenges for Williams. “Coming from an all-African American school to an integrated environment meant learning to navigate different perspectives and cultures,” he said. “I knew my experience could help shape opportunities for others.”
Support came from across the campus community. Professors like Dr. Zachary Taylor and Dr. Muriel Williams provided guidance for the young student-athlete in the classroom. On the court and in study sessions, fellow basketball player Luther Tison '71 became his valued mentor, particularly in mathematics.
Creating lasting change
Recognizing the need for cultural connection, Williams worked alongside fellow students Karlton Howard '73 and Thomas Bush '73 to establish the Association of Black Collegians at the college. “We felt the need to start this chapter so we would have some identity at LC,” he said. “It helped us feel a part of the campus community.”
Beyond his involvement in athletics and student life, Williams focused on his academic future. While pursuing his Business major and Physical Education minor, Williams laid the groundwork for what would become a successful career in business and real estate. These formative college years were enriched by sharing them with his high school sweetheart and future wife, Deedee Godwin Williams, who also graduated in the Class of 1974.
His influence would extend well beyond graduation. By his 2002 induction into the LC Sports Hall of Fame, Williams' legacy had grown far beyond the record books. He helped create a more inclusive campus culture and opened doors for future African American students at the institution.
“At LaGrange College, you develop friendships for a lifetime,” Williams said. “Having the opportunity to experience something entirely new and help pave the way for others has been one of my life's greatest privileges.”
Black Girl Magic Pajama Party
Monday, Nov. 11
8 p.m., The Boopie
Graduate Fair
Tuesday, Nov. 12
11 a.m., Dickson Assembly Room
Black Student Union Jeopardy
Tuesday, Nov. 12
8 p.m., Dickson
Joy Inside Tears
Thursday, Nov. 14
11 a.m., Jolly Room
Mix & Match: Majors and Minors
Thursday, Nov. 14
11 a.m., Corn Auditorium
On the Road to Become an Athletic Trainer
Thursday, Nov. 14
Noon, Corn Auditorium
Black Male Initiative Presents Family Feud
Thursday, Nov. 14
8 p.m., Dickson
Football
LC beat Huntingdon 24-21 on Saturday, Nov. 2. The team will travel to Mississippi to face Belhaven on Saturday, Nov. 9 (tomorrow), at 1 p.m.
Volleyball
The Panthers split their final tri-match with a 0-3 loss against Maryville and a 3-0 win against Agnes Scott on Saturday, Nov. 2. The team has finished its season.
Freshman Julia Damico was named Collegiate Conference of the South’s Rookie of the Week. Her standout performance included a triple-double with 10 kills, 20 assists, and 20 digs in a match against Tuskegee.
Men’s Basketball
LC opened its season with a scrimmage at Jacksonville State University on Monday, Nov. 4. The Panthers will travel to Cleveland to take on Truett McConnell on Saturday, Nov. 9 (tomorrow), at 4 p.m.
Women’s Basketball
The Panthers will begin their regular season on the road facing off against Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College on Friday, Nov. 8 (today), at 5:30 p.m.
Women's Soccer
Junior Kaia King was named to the CCS All-Conference Second Team.
Sophomore Kennedi Vowell was named to the CCS All-Sportsmanship Team.
(Please note that schedules may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check www.lagrangepanthers.com to confirm.)
Friday, Nov. 8 – Women’s Basketball at Abraham Baldwin, 5:30 p.m., Tifton, Georgia
Saturday, Nov. 9 – Football at Belhaven, 1 p.m., Jackson, Mississippi
Saturday, Nov. 9 – Men’s Basketball at Truett McConnell, 4 p.m., Cleveland, Georgia
Tuesday, Nov. 12 – Men’s Basketball at Berry College, 7 p.m., Rome, Georgia
Wednesday, Nov. 13 – Women’s Basketball (Home) vs. Emory, 6 p.m., Mariotti Gym
LaGrange College celebrates alumni at Homecoming, LaGrange Daily News, Nov. 5
LaGrange College presents two honorary alumni awards at Homecoming, LaGrange Daily News, Nov. 2
Category: Students, College, Academics
Keywords: Athletics, Business
