Mekyllah Williams

Position:
UB
Class:
Sophomore
Hometown:
Warner Robins, Ga.
High School:
Houston County

As a Junior:
Competed in every meet for the Tar Heels in bars • Scored a career high of 9.800 at Towson on 2/9 • Also recorded a first career first-place finish on bars against Towson on 2/9 • Placed third on bars against NC State on 1/25, her first podium placement of her career • Named a WCGA Scholastic All-American.

As a Sophomore:
Competed in nine meets on bars throughout the season • Tied her personal record on bars with a score of 9.800 in the regular season finale against Pittsburgh • Scored above a 9.700 on four occasions • Named to the All-EAGL Scholastic Team.

As a Freshman:
Competed in seven regular season meets on bars • Scored no less than 9.600 during the season and earned scores of 9.700 or more in six competitions • Earned a personal best score of 9.800 at the home opener against Florida • Placed in the top-ten scorers on floor in five meets and tied for fifth in the first of two back-to-back meets against William & Mary with a score of 9.700.

Prep:
Trained at Precision South Gymnastics Academy in Warner Robins, Ga. • Coached by Elena Malone, Keri Morrin and Jessica Aragona • Attended Houston County High School • At the 2015 Georgia Level 10 State Championships, she placed in the top 10 of the vault, bars, floor and all-around • Qualified for the Level 8 Junior Olympic Regional meet in 2012 and 2013 • Has been a part of competitive gymnastics for 12 years.

Personal:
Born Mekyllah Arnae Williams on Dec. 13, 1998 in Austin, Texas • Daughter of Robin Williams and Chuck Miller • Member of Beta Club, National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars • Achieved a 4.0 GPA during all four years of high school • Earned the University of Georgia Certificate of Merit • Can play the piano.

Getting to Know Mekyllah:

Major: Psychology and Nursing

Nickname: Swags

Career Plans: Neonatal nurse

What is the best thing about being at UNC? Quality people. Quality school. Quality athletics.

Away from gymnastics and my academic pursuits, I like to spend time… Having movie marathons

My greatest strength as a gymnast is… perseverance

Biggest sports thrill and why? Rushing Franklin Street after winning the national championship

Person who had the greatest influence on your career and why: My mom because she always pushed me to want more for myself and she always believed in me even when I doubted myself

Favorite Book: Where Rainbows End by Cecilia Ahern

Favorite Food: Pesto Pasta

Funny or interesting fact about yourself: I have played the piano since I was 7 years old

Favorite class at UNC and why: Microbiology because it was very related to real life

At what age did you first start participating in gymnastics and what is your earliest memory of gymnastics? Age 4 – I was in a half-gymnastics/half-ballet class, but I hated the ballet part and would always go and play in the gym

The funniest nickname on the team belongs to: Toast for Soph

What song would you sing if you were on The Voice? Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror

What reality show would you most like to be on? American Ninja Warrior

My favorite guilty pleasure is: Ben and Jerry’s Cinnamon Buns ice cream

If I could go to dinner with one famous person it would be: Ellen DeGeneres

The most interesting person I’ve met at UNC is: Adeline Dorough

People say I look like… Maddy Hargrave

Favorite place to visit: The Monterrey’s food truck