Streaks Alumni Profile- Lisa Williams 1986

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Lisa Williams of the GHS’s Class of 1986. 

Lisa was one of the all-time great athletes of GHS history. She had an outstanding career as both a volleyball and basketball player. She combined tremendous athleticism and a strong passion for sports. 

Lisa has remained a supporter of Streaks athletics for decades. She has not only been a passionate fan but also a coach and mentor for young athletes in the community. Lisa has had a huge impact on countless young people in Galesburg. 

Favorite teachers/classes

     -Mrs. Murdock in gym class. She was always so encouraging and positive. She was also my volleyball coach.

     -Mrs. Devena in business/typing class. She was so sweet and always upbeat and positive.

Best memories 

     -I loved playing sports and hanging out with my teammates especially at our tournaments. 

     -I enjoyed the dances especially when I was nominated for Queen for the Sweetheart Swirl dance. 

     -My most fondest memory and accomplishment was graduation day because most counted me out because I was a teenage mother. I was so proud of myself that day.

Continued Education 

     -I attended Carl Sandburg College on scholarship for Volleyball and Basketball where I studied fitness/nutrition and fashion merchandising. After CSC I transferred to the University of Dubuqe and continued my Volleyball and Basketball career. This is where I developed my love for traveling after having a Basketball Tournament in the Bahamas. 😄 It was a struggle financially because my mother had 2 kids in college at the time but I graduated with a BA in Psychology and Physical Education. 

Career

     -I moved back to Galesburg in 1998, worked in the restaurant business and coached girls Basketball 4th-6th grades. I started my career with the Illinois Department of Corrections in 1999 at Hill Correctional Center where I promoted through the ranks to Major. I later promoted to Assistant Warden of Operations at Western Illinois Correctional Center. During that time I coached the boys 4th/5th grade Future Streaks. I am currently retired after nearly 25 yrs and coach the 5th grade Future Streaks with my cousin Tiffany Sibley. 

Family

     -I am the 6th of 8 children. My mother Antoinette Hollowell  was my biggest supporter and fan, she worked at Maytag for 42 yrs. She made it to all of my sporting events although she never had a driver's license. My mother sadly passed away December 5, 2025 and 3 of my siblings passed away before her. I spend time with my father Charles Williams who worked at the post office for 45 yrs. I hear lots of stories about my father being a football standout at GHS. My dad is the brother to the basketball standout Al "Nochie" Williams. 

I am the mother of Derrek Blackwell who was also a student/athlete and Football Coach at GHS. I also have 2 younger children Harmony and Gino Williams who were also student/athletes at GHS. 

My advice to the present Strreak Athletes 

     -Stay focused and play together as a team. Keep a positive attitude because attitude is everything. Get involved in as many sports as you can. Because each sport will help you for the next. Put in work outside of practice. That's where the real work is practicing on your own. Most importantly have fun. You have to be dedicated and focused on your sport but you also have to have fun while doing it!