Women's Basketball

Williams Among Seven Selected to S.C. Athletic Hall of Fame

Courtesy of South Carolina State Media Relations


COLUMBIA, S.C. – Former South Carolina State standout and All-American Roberta Williams, will be among the seven highlighted in this year's South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Class of 2020.
 
Also being enshrined are Clemson running back C.J. Spiller, USC quarterback Tod Ellis, Limestone coach Gaylord Perry, Hilton Head infielder Dan Driessen, USC pitcher Ed Lynch, and Columbia defensive end Peter Boulware. The seven create one of the best-ever groups in the 60-year history of the organization.
 
ABOUT WILLIAMS: In 1976, Roberta Williams became the first female athlete to receive a full scholarship at South Carolina State University when she was signed to play basketball. When her career ended four years later in 1980, the Charleston and Burke High School graduate had become the most prolific scorer in SC State basketball history. Also, she is today the only SC State basketball player whose jersey has been retired. Williams scored more than 3,000 points during her career, and was the team's leading scorer three times. The Lady Bulldogs were 121-13 during the four years she played (30-5, 28-1, 33-2, and 30-5). She led the Lady Bulldogs to the AIAW (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women) National Division II Championship in 1979 and was named the tournament MVP. A year earlier, she had powered SC State to the AIAW national championship game (1978). Williams garnered a host of honors and awards during her career as she was a three-time All-Conference and All-State selection and also reaped All-Region honors. She was twice named an AIAW All-American. In 1980 she was a second-round draft pick of the WBL's (Women's Basketball League) San Francisco Pioneers. Following her basketball career, Williams spent 20 years as a teacher in the Charleston Public Schools and is currently a volunteer assistant basketball coach at her high school alma mater (Burke High). She is a member of the SCSU Athletic Hall of Fame and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2019, she was recognized as a basketball pioneer by the WNBA Hall of Fame.
 
The seven individuals will be forever enshrined with the Palmetto State's highest athletic honor on Monday, May 11 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Tickets (table of eight for $800) and program sponsorships are available by securing a table from the SCAHOF office at 803/779-0905. Payment and reservations must be made by Friday, April 10.
 
The SCAHOF Banquet and Ceremony is the largest annual celebration of Palmetto State sports stars under one roof. The traditional Walk of Legends that introduces past inductees is one of the event's highlights. More information may be obtained at www.scahof.com.