Danika Williams | One on One - Edge of Philly Sports Network

For those of you who may know the LaxPhilly crowd, from time to time I do a feature we call “One on One.” I recently had the chance to chat with a truly inspirational young woman, Danika Williams. Danika has a passion for the Creator’s game. So much that, despite being a double amputee, she strives to be the best goaltender she can be.

So, let’s go One on One with Danika Williams.

KMN– How did you discover lacrosse?

DW– The lacrosse coach asked if I would like to be the goalie for their team at the start of the new school year. I decided to try it and I realized that is the sport for me.

KMN– I Understand you have limitations to play?

DW– My limitations are being shorter so I had to move hand down on the shaft. I have long arms so that helps with my limitations. I am actually better at high shots than lower shots. That is surprising to most people!

KMN – Are you putting a program together?

DW-I am not really putting a program together I am just trying to build it! Davie lacrosse isn’t as well known as the other programs in North Carolina so I am trying to fix that.

Lacrosse and Life

KMN– Are you Coaching or Mentoring!

DW– I’m not really coaching or mentoring but I would love to. I have been helping train the JV goalie at my school to make her an awesome goalie! There’s nothing like watching someone you helped coach succeed!

KMN– Our good friend Larry Fila has gotten involved…talk about that.

DW– You know Larry, he has been helping me before games and has given me some tips. He builds my confidence a lot coming from one of the greats is amazing! He has given me so much more knowledge of the game.

KMN– Has lacrosse had an impact on your schoolwork?

DW– I would say no. It doesn’t impact my studies. I honestly think it makes me do better I am more focused during the lacrosse season on my academics. Yes, lacrosse is super important but so are your grades to make it to the next level in college.

KMN– Field or Box?

DW-I play Field lacrosse.

Life Goals

KMN– Short term and long term goals

DW– My short-term goals are to graduate high school and finish my 2 seasons of lacrosse. End with good grades and become a better lacrosse player! My long-term goals are getting recruited and going to college for lacrosse and being better on-field and in the classroom!

KMN– Great player or great coachable player?

DW– I would have to say a great coachable player 100% if you are not coachable it’s going to be a rough time for you and the coach! That’s one thing I’m big on for myself to make sure I am the easier player to coach without question. You build a better bond with your coaches and teammates if you can take constructive criticism.

Inspiration

KMN– A team or player you find as a inspiration?

DW -Angie Benson she killed it in college and in her first season of lacrosse professionally. She does not play professionally any more but she is still crushing it in life and giving back to the goalies, I love she has the same mindset on and off the field. The crazy thing is she actually has become one of my mentors and friends!

On a personal level, one of my mentors and coaches Kate Mullen. I went into lacrosse not knowing anything and we did a workout the first Sunday I fell in love and she helped me adjust my game to what was best for me. She gave me so much confidence to believe in myself in the cage. She believed in me before I did! She has taught me everything I know she has become like my lacrosse mom and best friend. If I ever have a question about anything, not just lacrosse she will tell me. She has been there since day 1 and I cannot thank her enough. She was a college coach and she has so much knowledge about the game and what it takes to get to the next level. She will be the one along for the ride no matter what. Love you, Kate!

Angie Benson was a stand-out Goalkeeper for Virginia Tech where she holds the program record for Goals Against Average at 10.30. Kate Mullen recently stepped down as Head Coach at Endicott University where lead the team to Three Consecutive Commonwealth Coast Conference Championships with a 45-15 record.

Everyone at the LaxPhilly- Edge of Philly Sports family wants to wish Danika the greatest of success in not only heifer but, also her career.

Kevin Neibauer

Kevin has followed and promoted the game of lacrosse since May 19, 1974.
The same day the Philadelphia Flyers won the Cup, the Philadelphia Wings were introduced to Neibauer and Philadelphia.

Kevin has covered many sports, including baseball, football, basketball, and.. lacrosse. A former licensed football referee and baseball umpire, Kevin brings a unique insight to his game coverage.

A published writer in JustHockey Magazine, Kevin covered the American Hockey League as well as a monthly story on a pugilist where Kevin used the pen name, The Rink Rat. Neibauer turned his attentions to lacrosse for a few years and does his part, whether podcasting or writing to grow the game. Kevin branched out to his roots and currently provides insight for all Philadelphia teams for Edge of Philly as well as his full-time duties with LaxPhilly.