Lailaa Williams has committed to play Division I volleyball at University of California San Diego.
The daughter of Candace Parker and Shelden Williams shared the news on Instagram last week and called the decision something she has been working toward for years.
“I’m super excited to announce my commitment to play D1 volleyball and continue my education at University of California, San Diego as a Triton!” she wrote.
She continued, “This has been a dream of mine for a long time, and I wouldn’t be here without so many people. Thank you to my family for always supporting me and pushing me to keep going, even when things got tough.”
Candace Parker posted shortly after, sharing a photo of Lailaa in UC San Diego volleyball gear alongside Parker and her wife, Anna Petrakova.
“To say I’m proud is an understatement……Lailaa is committing to play volleyball at the University of California San Diego!” Parker wrote. “I’ve seen the work, the commitment and the process and that’s what makes me the most proud of who and what you are.”
Shelden Williams also took to his Instagram page to share a congratulatory mesage to his daughter.
“I can hardly put into words just how proud I am of you as you embark on this incredible journey to play volleyball at UC San Diego!! Your commitment, hard work, and determination to reach this milestone are truly inspiring,” he wrote.
He said he recognized Lailaa’s potential early on and described watching her growth as one of the greatest joys of his life.
“From the moment you first picked up a volleyball, I didn’t know much about the sport but knew you had a special spark. Watching you grow from a little girl into the remarkable young woman you are today has been one of the greatest joys of my life.”
He ended his message by saying, “As you step onto that court, remember that you carry all my love and support. I believe in you wholeheartedly and can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish.”
Lailaa plays middle blocker at Campbell Hall in North Hollywood and is set to graduate in 2027.
