
Photo by: Greg Anderson
Tionna Williams signs with NawaRo Straubing
July 22, 2019 | Volleyball
Middle blocker begins professiional career in Germany
MADISON, Wis. – Former Badger volleyball player Tionna Williams opens her professional career with NawaRo in Straubing, Germany, this fall.
"Tionna is an emotional player and fits us perfectly with her attitude," says NawaRo coach Benedikt Frank. "With Tionna, we were able to sign a great player who has a lot of potential and wants to make her first steps in Europe. She fits in perfectly with our requirements."
The 6-foot-2 middle blocker from Fort Wayne, Indiana, finished her career ranking fourth at UW in hitting percentage (.347), fifth in block assists (483), and eighth in total blocks (512).
Williams became just the eighth UW player to record 500 career blocks when she hit the mark against San Diego on Dec. 7. She also recorded her 1,000th career kill at Illinois on Dec. 28, becoming the 22nd Badger over the grand tally.
She was just the sixth Wisconsin player to record 1,000 career kills and 500 career blocks.
Williams was a three-time All-American for the Badgers and two-time All-Big Ten pick. She earned five all-tournament selections during her career
"My teammates have always told me that I always had a sparkle in my eyes when I played," Williams says. "I always want to compete at the highest possible level and take my teammates to a new level. I want to learn a lot and do more with my team than I could in the past."
Williams will join the NawaRo team in August as the team begins competition in Volleyball Bundesliga, the highest league in Germany, in early October.
"Tionna is an emotional player and fits us perfectly with her attitude," says NawaRo coach Benedikt Frank. "With Tionna, we were able to sign a great player who has a lot of potential and wants to make her first steps in Europe. She fits in perfectly with our requirements."
The 6-foot-2 middle blocker from Fort Wayne, Indiana, finished her career ranking fourth at UW in hitting percentage (.347), fifth in block assists (483), and eighth in total blocks (512).
Williams became just the eighth UW player to record 500 career blocks when she hit the mark against San Diego on Dec. 7. She also recorded her 1,000th career kill at Illinois on Dec. 28, becoming the 22nd Badger over the grand tally.
She was just the sixth Wisconsin player to record 1,000 career kills and 500 career blocks.
Williams was a three-time All-American for the Badgers and two-time All-Big Ten pick. She earned five all-tournament selections during her career
"My teammates have always told me that I always had a sparkle in my eyes when I played," Williams says. "I always want to compete at the highest possible level and take my teammates to a new level. I want to learn a lot and do more with my team than I could in the past."
Williams will join the NawaRo team in August as the team begins competition in Volleyball Bundesliga, the highest league in Germany, in early October.
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