Boston College Athletics
Dominique Williams: A Life of Leadership
September 07, 2014 | Football
By Kristen Scott
There is a quiet confidence about Dominique Williams. A fifth-year player, weathered by the seismic highs and lows that come inevitably in a football career, Williams emanates quiet ambition. Yes, his leadership is quiet, but don't let that deceive you. When Williams has something to say, he makes sure it's heard.
"I'm more of a quiet guy, but part of being a leader is you have to be able to say things that are not so well liked at the time. You have to be willing to risk your social life and correct your friend and your teammate on something even if you don't want him to get mad at you. You have to put the betterment of the team in front of that. That's something I put on my shoulders," Williams said.
It's clear Williams has more than pads on his shoulders. He touts an obligation to be the exemplary model of team dedication, leadership by example, extraordinary competitive spirit and personal concern for family and friends. Williams accepts that obligation with open arms. It is for demonstrating that exact obligation that the safety earned the Jay McGillis Scholarship Award last spring.
"Everything has to be done a certain way--almost to perfection. I think that mentality has carried over to my relationship with my teammates. We're a really close-knit group of guys, especially on the defensive side of the ball. We're not just close on the field, but off the field as well," Williams said.
With the distinction of the Jay McGillis award and elected one of the 2014 captains, Williams knows what extra responsibility feels like. The role is natural to him, as he learned the epitome of existing for the wellbeing of others long before football.
"I have two younger brothers. I say that I am my brothers' keeper," Williams said. "That's something that I can translate to my teammates. I treat them like they're my brothers and we're all family."
Williams' Boston College football family extends beyond his 2014 teammates. The safety emulates his game after the way Luke Kuechly approached it with such high competitiveness, the way Wes Davis played the secondary with a sense of urgency, and the passion that DeLeon Gause brought to the football field.
His uncle Mike Williams also wore maroon and gold on Saturdays for the Eagles alongside Jay McGillis. Dominique describes Mike as his mentor, teaching him right from wrong and how to navigate life's turbulence.
"You're going to be faced with adversity, whether it's life or in a football game. Things are out of balance or they may come your way when you're not expecting. You have to persevere through it and adjust. That comes with mental toughness," Williams said.
It is with this arsenal of wisdom from those who inspire him that Williams guides the Eagles into the 2014 season. As he forges his captainship in his final year of Boston College football, Williams's quiet determination speaks volumes.
