
Princess Margaret School (PMS) stars Greg Williams and Jaquan Athanaze graced the Good Morning Jojo Sports Show on Monday morning, representing shining examples of student-athlete excellence. Williams, who captained the PMS Under-20 team to championship victory over ABICE on Friday at the Antigua Recreation Grounds and claimed the prestigious Patrice C. Whyte MVP Award, alongside the multi-talented Athanaze, showcased the depth of talent nurturing at the institution.
Williams, who currently plays for FC Master Ballers team and the Under-17 Nationals in addition to his school duties, demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout the season by scoring 13 goals, which was the most by any player.
“I had a lot of confidence in the team. I could see from the start that everybody wanted the same goal. It was just to keep them intact and focus on it, the same goal, and keep them pushing,” Williams reflected on his team’s journey to victory.
The young captain’s ability to motivate his teammates proved crucial during critical moments, particularly in the championship’s penalty shootout.
“All of us have the same dream,” Williams recalled telling his team before the decisive moment. “When we step on the pitch and we take these penalties, all of us want the same thing, and it’s who wants it more. So, we stay focused, we pick our spot, and we don’t change.”
Meanwhile, Athanaze — described by Principal Colin Greene as “one of the most versatile athletes” in his 22 years at Princess Margaret — continues to excel in multiple sports. Beyond his crucial role as goalkeeper in the championship victory, Athanaze has distinguished himself as an exceptional cricketer and track athlete, having won several gold medals in 800m and 1500m events at inter school competitions. He is also the Captain of the Leeward Islands Under 15 team.
The duo’s success story is deeply rooted in their local community. Both athletes emerged from Villa Primary School, with Williams’ path to PMS being particularly noteworthy. His sister, a former PM student, had prophetically told Principal Greene about her brother’s potential to “fulfill all your dreams in football”.
Despite their sporting achievements, both athletes maintain a strong focus on academics. Williams, who plans to become a professional player one day, acknowledged the importance of education in achieving his goals.
“When I realized that to reach where I want to reach, I’m going to need the schoolwork, it pushed me hard in school,” he explained.
The success of Williams and Athanaze reflects not only their individual talents but also the strong support system surrounding them. Principal Greene highlighted the crucial role of parental support, particularly noting Athanaze’s father’s consistent presence and guidance. The school community, including the iron band led by music department head Kareem King, has also played a vital role in creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and encouragement.
Their achievement represents more than just athletic success; it symbolizes the culmination of years of dedication, community support, and the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. As Williams noted after receiving the Patrick C Whyte MVP Award, “It made me feel like I’m working hard enough, and it’s being shown.”