Adrian's Hall of Fame Induction
3/12/2008
written by: Andrew Nicholson
Just because it's the off-season doesn't mean that Adrian Williams Strong isn't working. During her time away from the court, the Monarchs forward has been an intern for Habitat for Humanity in Phoenix. Aside from getting married, the Monarchs forward also had more big news recently. Find out the details now!
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| You were recently honored by your high school, what was the occasion?: |
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Williams:
"I dont know what it was. [Laughs] I was inducted into either the hall of fame or the wall of fame. One of those things, I dont know which one it was. They selected me as the seventh person in school history to be inducted into it."
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| Is it different than having your jersey retired?: |
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Williams:
"I believe so, because they didnt mention a jersey retiring. [Laughs] I dont know, maybe they would have said that, but they never mentioned it. One of the honorees was an Olympian. One is the superintendent of the school district. And one is the Fresno State basketball coach right now. So I am one of those seven people."
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| What was the ceremony like?: |
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Williams:
"My husband and I flew into Fresno the day of the ceremony. That night we had to get there at six and I spoke to the girls before their game to motivate them. It was their CIF Regional Championship game. Before the game they cited all my accomplishments and they had me go to the middle of the court and gave me a plaque and flowers. My husband and parents were there and they unveiled my name on the wall."
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| Did you have to give a speech?: |
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Williams:
"Nope. [Laughs] I had one prepared, but I didnt have to give it."
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| What does this honor mean to you?: |
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Williams:
"Its a huge honor for me. I was trying not to cry the whole time. But it wasnt a big 15-20 minute thing. It was just really the honor itself [that was meaningful]. The school has won the California Athletic School of the Year several times, once when I was there. So to be one of those many athletes that are honored and to be the seventh one was just overwhelming."
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| What are your fondest memories of playing basketball in high school?: |
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Williams:
"When I walked into that gym, it brought back so many memories of the people on my teams. We won by an average of 40-to-50 points a game. I rarely, if ever, played the fourth quarter. We had so much fun. Whenever I talk to young people, I tell them, its so important to have fun even if youre not winning by that average margin. A good team in high school is different than a good team in the WNBA. We were just having a lot of fun, winning the Valley, going to state in Anaheim. I think we lost the semi-finals and it was still a heart-breaker for me 10 years later. The whole experience [was awesome]. Back then, our gym was packed every time we had a game. To have a girls game that had that much support and newspaper coverage in Fresno [was really fortunate]. We were everywhere. I had a lot of fun in high school."
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| What high school did you attend? What was your mascot?: |
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Williams:
"Clovis West, Eagles. If you go to California and ask who Clovis West is, they will know. You aren't in California unless you know who Clovis West is." [Laughs]
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| What were your school colors? What number did you wear?: |
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Williams:
"Red and gold [were our colors]. I think I wore 50."
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| Will we see you in Sacramento soon?: |
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Williams:
"Sooner than later. Camp starts April 20. Thats all I know. I am doing a lot of working out, so I may come early and work out with Coach."
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