A Letter from the Sports Editor

 Dear MATC Times, 

First and foremost, thank you for welcoming me with open arms and allowing me to share my talent. I am forever grateful for the Times staff I’ve had the privilege to work with and the friendships I’ve made along the way. I am also deeply thankful for the opportunity to get to know and interview the MATC athletic directors, coaching staff, and student athletes. 

I will always cherish the memories I’ve made, the stories I’ve written, and the chance to shine a spotlight on our student athletes and their journeys. As someone who was once doubted in high school about being successful, and is now working to make a name for myself, the Times gave me the confidence I never knew I had, especially when it came to pitching story ideas and attending events I imagined I’d be covering.

To Barb:

Thank you for helping me become a better writer and for your kind heart and warm welcome when I first joined the Times. I will never forget your advice or the laughs we shared.

To Warren:

Thank you as well for welcoming me with open arms when I first joined. I am forever grateful to have gotten to know you and for all the laughs we shared along the way. 

To Zanaia:

For someone who was always quiet yet incredibly sweet, thank you for welcoming me into the Times. You have a strong sense of leadership, a wonderful spirit, and a kindness that makes you so loving to be around. 

To Cierra:

My first and forever roommate, thank you for welcoming me into the Times and being such a great friend. At first, I didn’t think I would make a close friend here until I met you. You have a sweet and beautiful spirit, and I’ll never forget how you prayed with me in New Orleans. I didn’t even know you were Christian at first, but it meant so much to me. I wish you the best on your journey as a photographer, and I will always pray for you and your grandmother. Who would’ve thought we’d share something so meaningful in common?

To JC:

Even though we first met at the March Madness event, it wasn’t until DC that I really got to know you and share some laughs. I’m grateful we built such a dynamic duo, me writing the stories and you taking amazing photos. 

To Reni:

You are very kind and funny, and I’m grateful we had the chance to talk and get to know each other more in DC. You have such a bright spirit and a sharp mind. 

To Connor: Honestly, I don’t even know where to begin. When I first met you, you were bursting with ideas the moment you joined the Times—what should go in the paper, what everyone should do next. I knew right away you’d be a perfect fit for Editor‑in‑Chief or at least Managing Editor. I loved getting to know you more in New York, and I swear the vibe of SoHo fits you perfectly if you ever decide to move to NYC.

To Emma: Emma, you are such a sweetheart, and I’m grateful we were roommates. You’re smart, funny, and incredibly caring. I noticed how adventurous you are and how much you love learning new things. I hope when you go back to NYC, you get to explore even more.

Thank you for believing in me and giving me a chance. As sad as I am to leave the Times, I’m grateful to be stepping into a new chapter with confidence, continuing to grow, tell stories, and become the journalist I aspire to be. 

Hopefully, the next time you see me, is when I am reporting on our Wisconsin Sports team on TV! Or maybe when we are in a public place, and I just so happen to bump into you, of course, I will always say Hello!

Your favorite Sports editor signing off,

• Crystal Williams