MHS swimmer is going the distance

Published March 22, 2019

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—Molly Williams’ swim career at Melrose High seemed designed for a path that few have traveled on as high school athletes. And now, the senior has committed to swim for the Div. 1 University of Vermont and will be a Catamount in the fall of 2019. The State silver medalist and MHS record-breaker recently signed her intentions to officially become a swimmer there.  

Williams has led a highly successful swim career since her freshmen year at Melrose High, collecting more medals than a shelf can hold, but as recently as this year, became the Middlesex League Champion in the 500 free and a state silver medalist in the 200 free at the Div. 2 State Finals in November. 

The multi-year All-Star also broke the Melrose High School record twice in the 200 free during her tenure and was a crucial part of the team’s 200 and 400 relay teams, who also broke school records. 

Melrose coach Deb Deacon has previously saluted her gifted swimmer. “No one is more deserving of this. She’s the most humble athlete I’ve had the pleasure of coaching and the hardest working member of our team since freshman year. She’s the heart and soul of our team.”

UNIVERSITY OF Vermont commit Molly Williams signed her intention to swim for Div. 1 UVM. (Steve Karamapalas photo)

Williams, 18, swam competitively as a child and transferred to Melrose High from St. Mary’s School in Melrose. She still competes year round as a member of the North Shore Swim Club, which keeps her in shape on the offseason. 

She spoke of what led her to University of Vermont as she began her college search. “The combination of excellent academics and athletics drew me to UVM,” Williams said. “I knew this was where I wanted to be after the tour of the beautiful campus and talking with the coach.”

She will swim under the guidance of coach Gerry Cournoyer, an ECAC Coach of the Year. Williams previously visited a number of schools with strong nursing and swimming programs. She met with coaches and stayed with team members overnight to get a feel for the school. “Coach Cournoyer and the team made me feel right at home and answered my questions about what it’s like to be a student-athlete at UVM. And nursing was one of the things that drew me to UVM because of the major hospital right on campus.”

When not studying, expect the swimmer to flourish in distance events for team, including the mile, 1000, and 500 freestyle.

Williams, the daughter of Andrew and Marybeth Williams of Melrose, has many to thank in her swimming journey. “I would love to thank my parents, coach Deb Deacon, my club coaches, Doctor Fogle, teammates, friends, and teachers who helped me get this far and finally choose UVM.”