The Mineola community celebrated two accomplished scholastic athletes last week as Allyson Blackwell and Chance Williams signed letters to continue their artistic and athletic feats at universities in the state. 

Blackwell signed a letter last Wednesday evening at Dance Dimensions to attend Tarleton State University in Stephensville as a part of their dance team, while Williams signed a similar letter at Mineola High School committing to Texas Lutheran University in Seguin to continue his pole vault career. 

For Williams, the chance to continue training in the pole vault at a university which has traditionally been a significant launching pad for Olympic athletes was a dream come true.

“I visited a dozen universities,” he explained, “and received offers from larger schools, but Texas Lutheran was absolutely the best fit for me. It just clicked when I went to visit them.”

As the Mineola coaching staff lauded Williams for his amazing work ethic, there was a common thread to all their comments: the high caliber of the young man’s character. He was also described as being the most coachable athlete that the coaches have worked with in their careers.

Williams, eldest son of Jaron and Anita Williams, will be studying business and marketing with an eye toward sports management. 

Later that evening in one of the large floor spaces at Dance Dimensions, Allyson Blackwell charted her course for continuing to dance. The room was full of extended family, fellow dancers, friends and coaches. 

Allyson’s father, Luke Blackwell, opened the event by thanking God for the special dance talents of his daughter as well as her indomitable spirit and work ethic.

“I would also like to thank the teachers and coaches who have played a role in her life, and tell Allyson just how proud we are of her,” he said.

The four dance instructors who trained and nurtured Allyson each spoke. As a group they were absolutely thrilled at her step into collegiate dance. They lauded her natural talent, the amount of fresh energy she brings to the dance floor and her ability to fill the room with her presence as she danced.

It was evident at both of the signings just how much the community prized and celebrated the continued success of Blackwell and Williams.