Resilience: Devon Williams

Born and raised in the Big D, sports played a central role in Devon's upbringing. From a young age, basketball became his passion, shaping his athletic journey and defining his path of resilience and recovery.

Devon's basketball journey commenced at Woodrow Wilson High School, where he spent four years leaving an indelible mark on the court. As a varsity player, he was instrumental in a dominant team that regularly outperformed opponents by an impressive 30-point margin. This success garnered attention from college recruiters, culminating in a scholarship offer from the University of New Mexico during his senior year.

Devon's time at UNM was a mix of triumph and tragedy. On the court, he experienced the thrill of winning a regular-season Mountain West Championship and two tournament championships, leading to appearances in the NCAA tournament. However, during his fourth year, tragedy struck when a career-ending injury left him paralyzed from the neck down. It was a devastating blow, but he refused to let it define him.

Determined to overcome his current state, Devon embarked on a journey of recovery. Through relentless rehabilitation and unwavering determination, he defied the odds and made a full recovery. In December 2015, he underwent surgery that restored movement to his body, and by the fall of 2016, he was back on the court, playing pickup games for the first time since his injury.

In 2017, Devon faced a critical moment in his basketball journey when he had to decide whether to return to college. Choosing to forgo a potential sixth year of eligibility, Devon seized an opportunity to showcase his basketball prowess overseas. Journeying to Sweden, he embarked on a basketball venture during the summer of 2018, seeing it as a vital chance to affirm his ability to compete at the highest level, both to himself and the world.

Back home in New Mexico, Devon continued to pursue his passion for basketball, joining the Bull Snakes basketball team and competing at the professional level. Alongside his athletic achievements, he found success in other areas of his life. Off the court, Devon currently works as a project manager. He finds joy in playing volleyball and bowling. Additionally, he has a fondness for chess, a game he grew up playing. When it comes to food, his favorite indulgence is a steaming bowl of ramen.