40 Facts About Courtney Williams

Early Life and Family Background

Courtney Williams' journey in basketball began in her hometown of Folkston, Georgia. Her family played a significant role in shaping her early years and love for the game.

1. Birthdate and Place: Courtney Monae Williams was born on May 11, 1994, in Folkston, Georgia.
2. Family Background: She comes from a basketball lineage, with her mother, Michelle Williams, also a basketball player at Charlton County High School.
3. High School Career: Williams played for Charlton County High School's basketball team, where she broke her mother's single-game scoring record by scoring 42 points.

College Career and Achievements

Courtney's college years at the University of South Florida were marked by outstanding performances and numerous accolades.

4. College Career: She attended the University of South Florida, where she transitioned from the bench to a starter and became one of the top scorers in the nation. Her contributions earned her a spot in the University of South Florida Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019.
5. College Statistics: During her senior year at the University of South Florida, Williams hit 308 field goals, which was second in the nation among all Division I teams. She also had a remarkable streak of scoring over 20 points in each of 10 consecutive games, a feat that was the longest in the nation at the time.
6. College Jersey Retirement: The University of South Florida retired her jersey number, 10, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the team.

Professional Career in the WNBA

Courtney's professional career in the WNBA has seen her play for multiple teams, showcasing her skills and adaptability.

7. WNBA Draft: Selected as the eighth overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2016 WNBA draft, Williams began her professional career in the WNBA.
8. Trade History: Over the course of her career, Williams has been traded to several teams, including the Connecticut Sun, Atlanta Dream, and Chicago Sky. She eventually found a home with the Minnesota Lynx.
9. Current Team: As of the 2024 season, Williams plays for the Minnesota Lynx, where she has found a sense of belonging and has been instrumental in the team's success.

Playing Style and Signature Moves

Courtney Williams is known for her unique playing style, particularly her midrange shooting.

10. Playing Style: Known for her midrange shooting, Williams is dubbed the "Mid Mistress" and "Range Monster." She attempts more long 2-pointers than any other player in the WNBA, making her a unique threat on the court.
11. Signature Shot: While her midrange shot is her hallmark, Williams also demonstrates versatility in her scoring methods, including three-pointers and free throws.
12. Midrange Shot Attempts: Williams led the league in midrange shot attempts per game (6.9) while posting a career-best shooting percentage (46.2) in the 2024 season.
13. Midrange Scoring: A whopping 57.5% of Williams' points came from the midrange this season, making her one of the top midrange scorers in the WNBA. The second player in this category was Atlanta Dream forward Tina Charles at 22%.

Key Moments and Achievements

Courtney has had several game-changing moments and significant achievements throughout her career.

14. Game-Changing Moments: In Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals, Williams made a crucial 4-point play with 5.1 seconds remaining in regulation and another key 3-pointer in overtime, securing a thrilling 95-93 overtime win for the Lynx against the New York Liberty.
15. Awards and Accolades: Despite not being one of the primary 3-point threats for her team, Williams has demonstrated her ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments. Her performance in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals earned her significant recognition.
16. Playoff Experience: Having previously participated in the WNBA Finals with the Connecticut Sun in 2019 and 2020, Williams' playoff experience has been invaluable for the Lynx.
17. Career Milestones: On June 14, 2024, during a home game against the Sparks, Williams became only the fourth WNBA player to have 15+ points, 10+ assists, 8+ rebounds, and 4+ steals in a single game.
18. WNBA All-Star: Courtney Williams earned a spot as a WNBA All-Star in 2021, further solidifying her status as one of the league's top players.

Leadership and Team Dynamics

Williams' leadership and presence have been crucial for her teams, both on and off the court.

19. Team Dynamics: Williams has spoken highly of her teammates, emphasizing the trust and teamwork that exists within the Lynx. She credits her teammates for their instrumental role in ensuring she receives the ball in key moments.
20. Leadership Role: As a veteran player, Williams brings a stabilizing presence to the Lynx. Her experience in Finals games has been crucial, as she understands the need to be aggressive when it matters most.
21. Coach's Praise: Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve has praised Williams for her understanding of the team's needs and her ability to elevate her game in critical situations.
22. Veteran Presence: Teammates describe Williams as bringing a veteran presence and energy to the Lynx locker room. Her blond hair and infectious personality make her a joy to be around, often leading to laughter and enjoyment among teammates.

Personal Life and Off-Court Activities

Courtney's life off the court is just as interesting, with a focus on her relationships and personal growth.

23. Personal Life: Outside of basketball, Williams is in a relationship with North Carolina-based real estate broker N’Shya. The couple has been open about their love and has appeared on the limited-series "Pride is Love" celebrating their Black and queer love.
24. Income: As of August 2024, Courtney Williams has a two-year deal with the Minnesota Lynx worth $355,000, with an annual average salary of $177,500.
25. Family Support: Despite the challenges of being an athlete, Courtney's family has always been supportive. Her father continues to cheer for her, often holding an oversized cutout of her face above his head when she scores.
26. Sister's Influence: Courtney Williams' sister, Doniece Williams, is a single mother to her son and resides in their hometown of Folkston, Georgia.

Early Athletic Development

Courtney's early years were filled with athletic activities, influenced by her parents and recreational league experiences.

27. Early Athletic Development: At the age of 7, Williams was already outscoring boys in her mother's recreational league, which was coached by her uncle. This early exposure to competitive basketball helped her develop her skills and confidence.
28. Father's Affirmations: Donald Williams would often tell Courtney, "You're the baddest, you're the best. Can't nobody beat you at nothing." These affirmations helped instill a mental toughness that has carried her through her basketball career.
29. Recreational League Experience: Playing in her mother's recreational league as a child helped Courtney develop her skills in a competitive environment. She was often the only girl playing with boys, which added to her determination and resilience.
30. Athletic Background: Donald Williams, Courtney's father, was an all-around athlete who played every sport. His athletic physique and competitive spirit have been influential in shaping Courtney's approach to basketball.

Versatility and Adaptability

Courtney's ability to adapt to different roles and positions has been a key factor in her success.

31. Transition to Point Guard: Williams has transitioned from the 2-guard to the point guard position, showcasing her versatility and ability to adapt to new roles. She excelled at this position during her time with the Chicago Sky in 2023 and continues to do so with the Lynx in 2024.
32. Assist Average: For the current season, Williams is averaging 5.5 assists per game, which is a significant contribution to the Lynx's league-leading assists in the regular season.
33. Midrange Scoring Art: The midrange shot is often considered a lost art in basketball, but Williams has mastered it. Her ability to get to her spot and make midrange pull-ups is a significant part of her game, making defenses want her to take this shot.
34. Team's Trust: The Lynx have a high level of trust in Williams, which is evident in how they set up plays to get her the ball in key situations. This trust has been instrumental in her success, particularly in high-pressure games like the WNBA Finals.

International Experience

Courtney's talents have also been showcased on the international stage, representing the USA.

35. International Experience: In 2015, Williams played for the USA at the World University Games in Gwangju, South Korea, where she contributed a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. The USA team won the gold medal.

Personal Growth and Reflections

Throughout her career, Courtney has emphasized the importance of personal growth and learning from experiences.

36. Personal Growth: Throughout her career, Williams has spoken about the importance of personal growth and learning from past experiences. Her journey from being traded multiple times to finding a home with the Lynx has been transformative, both on and off the court.
37. College Legacy: The University of South Florida has a lasting legacy of Courtney Williams, not just through her athletic achievements but also through the impact she had on the team. Her jersey number, 10, was retired in recognition of her contributions.
38. WNBA Career Highlights: In her sixth season in the WNBA, Williams averaged 16.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game while playing for the Atlanta Dream. Her current season has seen her average 10.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
39. Family Influence: Growing up, Williams was influenced by her parents, who were both athletes. Her father, Donald, was particularly instrumental in boosting her confidence and instilling a strong mental game. He would often challenge her to runs and affirmations that helped her develop a strong sense of self.
40. Assist Average: For the current season, Williams is averaging 5.5 assists per game, which is a significant contribution to the Lynx's league-leading assists in the regular season.

Courtney Williams: A Basketball Phenomenon

Courtney Williams' journey from Folkston, Georgia to the WNBA is nothing short of inspiring. Her midrange shooting prowess, often dubbed the "Mid Mistress," sets her apart in the league. Williams' ability to rise in critical moments, like her game-changing plays in the 2024 WNBA Finals, showcases her clutch performance. Beyond her on-court achievements, her personal life, including her relationship with N’Shya, adds depth to her story. Williams' transition to point guard and her veteran presence have been crucial for the Minnesota Lynx. Her family's influence, especially her father's affirmations, played a significant role in her development. With a career marked by numerous milestones, including her jersey retirement at the University of South Florida, Williams continues to inspire. Her story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of believing in oneself.