Rick Williams Instagram
Rick Williams showing school pride
Marian University sophomore Rick Williams has already made his mark on the track—and he’s only getting started.
Williams, a marketing major and
International student from Barbados, competes in both track and field and cross-country. In his very first year, he qualified for cross country nationals, indoor nationals, and outdoor nationals. He also became part of Marian history, helping set the school’s first national record in the 4×800-meter relay with the third-fastest time in program history.
“It has been a journey, one that I insist on becoming better in,” Williams said.
Growing up in Barbados, Williams balanced work, academics, and track and field. While his dream was to earn a higher education, training, and working at the same time made it harder to pursue school full-time. He devoted himself to perfecting his athletic skills in hopes of earning a scholarship in the United States.
The hard work paid off. Offers came from both Texas and Marian, but Marian was the first—and that mattered most to him.
“I felt like the first offer was a blessing, so I said, ‘You know what, I’ll go with my first offer,’” Williams said.
The decision wasn’t about the facilities or the prestige. Instead, Williams focused on which school would help him achieve his goals and push him to be the best he could be.
Moving to the U.S. came with challenges. Williams described his transition as a “big culture shock
” The food, music, and fashion were all different from
what he was used to in the Caribbean, where diversity is deeply rooted in everyday life.
Despite the differences, Williams found ways to stay connected to home. “I like to call my family and friends to chat with them and communicate with them,” he said. “That helps me get through feeling like I’m far from home but
calling them makes them feel close. It kind of works out very well for me.”
His Caribbean identity also finds a place at Marian through friendships with international students from Trinidad, Tobago, St. Vincent, and Haiti. Together, they share the familiar joy of Caribbean festivals, music, and celebrations.
Williams’ first year at Marian came with an intense schedule: competing at nationals in three different seasons while adjusting to cross-country and indoor track for the first time. Outdoor track added another challenge: the Midwest weather.
Even so, he managed to excel. But it wasn’t easy. Williams explained that being an international student often feels like a double-edged sword. “If you are unable to make one requirement and fail in it, you cannot continue with your education,” he said. “You have to be able to balance it all and put in the work.”
That balance includes finances, classes, jobs, and athletics. For Williams, success is more than athletic wins; it’s about overcoming obstacles with resilience and faith.
“To be honest, I give thanks to God, because I put my faith in God,” he said. “He leads the way for me.”
Looking ahead, Williams hopes to leave a legacy that stretches beyond track and field. He envisions himself as a role model after graduation, as well as a successful entrepreneur owning multiple businesses. He wants his journey to inspire others—especially young athletes from the Caribbean and beyond—to strive for greatness in school, sports, and life.
“The only challenge in life that would be your hardest challenge is yourself,” Williams said. “If you can overcome yourself, you can achieve a lot. The sky is no longer the limit; there is space.
Even though you are reaching for the stars, you can move even higher. If you fall short, never be sad about it and appreciate where you are.”
Williams emphasizes that growth takes time. Where someone starts isn’t where they will always remain. He hopes that his work ethic, perseverance, and faith can show others what’s possible.
Even while chasing records, Williams takes time to stay grounded in his roots and relationships. Music, festivals, and community remind him of home. Faith keeps him centered. And phone calls to loved ones remind him that no matter how far he travels, he carries Barbados with him.
His message for others? Always believe in yourself.
“Be great,” Williams said. “The only truth we know is we know nothing, but never let anyone say you can’t believe in yourself or achieve anything. Always put God first, because what you put before God can always be taken away. Stay blessed.”