As the only child of parents with a background that involves running, St. Charles East’s Grace Williams figured out quickly what natural gifts she had inherited.
But for Williams, the sport that suited her best was soccer.
“My parents were both runners and my dad played football at Southern Illinois,” said Grace, who grew up to be a high-scoring forward. “Running was something I was naturally good at.
“My speed is something I have always utilized with my game.”
Williams utilized that speed, quickness, agility and elusiveness in open space Saturday, scoring a goal and adding an assist for the Saints in a 5-2 win over Oak Park-River Forest.
So far, Williams has scored seven goals and created three assists for St. Charles East (7-0), which has generated a 25-5 goal differential. She optimizes the Saints’ potent attack.
As a senior, Williams has picked up where she left off last spring, which was her first season at St. Charles East. She transferred after playing as a sophomore at Neuqua Valley.
Along with her family’s move, the transition could have been tough, but Williams produced 25 goals and 11 assists in her debut as the Saints reached a Class 3A supersectional.
“Her scoring ability is something that sets her apart,” St. Charles East coach Vince DiNuzzo said. “She has that great first step that allows her to turn and beat her opponents.
“She definitely changes the game. Now, she is also more comfortable and people definitely know about her.”
Still, the Saints’ system takes full advantage of Williams’ speed. St. Charles East plays a propulsive and up-tempo style that looks to create constant pressure.
“I definitely like the ball at my feet,” Williams said. “My first instinct is to go straight to the goal. I also like to pass the ball as well.”
As a result, Williams is dangerous from any angle or point of view on the field. Her knack for getting the first touch is a defining characteristic.
Fellow forward Mia Raschke, also a senior, sees the same things.
“She is not only a great goal scorer, but she can score from anywhere on the field,” Raschke said of Williams. “She can score with her back to the goal and is dynamic all over the field.
“She is also not a selfish player. She likes to create opportunities for everyone else.”
Raschke scored twice against Oak Park-River Forest, boosting her total to six goals on the season. Williams assisted on Raschke’s first goal Saturday.
The desire to share and take part in the larger collective is part of being an only child.
“Not having any siblings, I always saw sports as a way to connect with people and make friends,” Williams said. “I’ve played in three different schools and also different clubs.
“Each time, I learned about building bonds and friendships.”
Williams spent her early years in Yorkville. In middle school, she ran everything from the 100 and 400 meters to the mile. Soccer was the sport she fell in love with at age 4.
“I was always a very competitive person and I wanted to win at everything,” Williams said. “I’d be in the backyard throwing the football around or really anything.
“I just loved to compete. Even now, if I am playing a board game, I want to win.”
Williams originally committed to play soccer next year at Wisconsin-Oshkosh. But after thinking things over, she decided to rescind her commitment and focus on academics.
That has given her clarity as a senior, putting a finite time frame on her playing career. And she’s ready to go out on her terms.
“I am happy with my decision,” Williams said. “Knowing this is my last year playing, I can just focus on getting the most out of this season.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.