A booming success
 Darrin “Boomer” Williams (BA ‘09) on the court. Photo by Steve Woltmann |
That would have been enough of a success story for many, but not for Darrin Williams. Now a redshirt senior and starting forward, the 6’ 8’’ Williams has already earned a dual degree in communication and business management, and is working on a second bachelor’s in human resources.
“It’s been about school since day one,” Williams says. “Loyola is a great academic institution, and I wanted to take advantage of all of the opportunities offered to me.” Along the way, Williams has earned admirers among the faculty, including communication studies instructor Kevin O’Connor.
“From the first time I met Boomer in my Small Group Communications class, until his last stellar presentation, he was the epitome of a gentleman and a gentle spirit,” O’Connor says. “He is confident and composed and an engaging person.”
Williams brings those traits to the basketball court, where he’s having his most productive year, averaging 7 points and 5 rebounds a game—this after overcoming two ACL surgeries that sidelined him for almost two full seasons.
“He was a young man who realized the amount of work it takes to be a successful student athlete, and he made that commitment,” says Tom Hitcho, senior associate athletic director, who got to know Williams working with him on rehabilitation following his surgeries.
When Williams leaves Loyola this spring, his first option is to play basketball in Europe, where he hopes to draw the attention of NBA scouts.
Williams is confident, because no matter how his basketball career evolves, he has earned his college degree. “I made it through a lot,” Williams says. “I’m proud of myself that I’ve gotten this far.” And he shows no signs of stopping.