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getting to know Fourth-Year Sprinter Danielle Williams There's more to Danielle Williams than the fact she's one of Virginia's premier track and field athletes. Granted, Williams is the school-record holder (23.97) for the indoor 200 meters and last spring ran a leg on the 4x400-meter relay team that captured the Colonial Relays and the Virginia Swashbuckle. She also placed fifth last spring in the 200 and 10th in the 100 at the ACC Championships. But Williams also is a Student-Athlete Mentor. In that role, she addresses issues that student-athletes may have before they morph into problems by using prevention skills. Williams also was a production intern on the set for the independent film "Blue Ruin." My advice to student-athletes is: Continue working hard and keep eyes on your goal and what you want to do. The best thing about UVa is: The community and positive people around and knowing everybody is your friend. What Is Your Favorite … … TV show: "Dance Moms" … movie: "The Social Network" … actor and actress? Denzel Washington and Kerry Washington … Charlottesville hangout/restaurant? Little John's … musician/band? The Black Eyed Peas … favorite song? "Ali in the Jungle" … person in history? My grandfather, George Janes … food? Salmon … UVa class? Techno Phonics … sport other than track and field: Basketball … pre-meet routine: Listening to "Takeoff" by Jay-Z and Kanye West Williams owns the school record (23.97) for the indoor 200-meter dash. Photo By Matt Riley/courtesy UVa Why I chose UVa: I chose UVa because from the first moment I arrived on the Grounds I noticed the V sabers on the street. They struck me as a powerful symbol. My time over the weekend was amazing. People were so nice and welcoming. I got the feeling this was the place for me. What I like the most about track and field: The sport is an individual sport, but at the same time it's a team sport. While you try to give 100 percent and get satisfaction from winning an individual race, you get satisfaction from helping your teammates win. The highlight of my athletic career: The last indoor meet I ran my fastest time in the 200 and broke the school record (23.97) for that event. It was an amazing moment for me because I had put in a lot of work. It proved to be a moment that paid off for me. The most important thing I've learned from track and field is: Work hard and never give up. Track is challenging and success comes gradually. There will be times when you're down, but it teaches me to get back up and try harder. The pre-college coach who had the biggest influence on me as an athlete: Coach Fox, my AAU basketball coach in Alexandria. Basketball was my primary sport before college and I also ran track. He was a very stern coach. The word "can't" wasn't in our vocabulary. He taught us the meaning of hard work and dedication. My dream vacation would be: Spain. My post-college ambition is: I'd pursue track professionally and also would like to turn pro in basketball. — Mike Scandura