MP Simon mourns the passing of netball star Yvonne Williams Willis, saying she elevated the game

Former national basketballer and MP Kelvin “Shugy” Simon is honouring the
late Yvonne Williams Willis, the former national netball player and coach who
passed away last weekend.
 
In expressing heartfelt condolences to her family and the netball fraternity,
Simon says Williams Willis elevated the game on and off the court. 
 
While every athlete faces pressure to succeed, he says, Williams Willis
achieved greatness as a national netballer and coach.
 
This was accomplished in an era when it was very difficult for women to excel
and be recognized in sports, he says, not only in Antigua and Barbuda but
throughout the Caribbean.  
 
As a basketball player, he says, he is inspired by her dedication as a trailblazer
and by her work to develop and nurture young players over many years.
 

Although Williams Willis lived the latter years of her life out of public view,
the MP says that her impact on the netball fraternity was lasting.
 
Accordingly, he says, he hopes she knew how much she influenced the game
as one of Antigua and Barbuda’s foremost female sports personalities.
 
The passing of such an iconic player is a sad day for netball fans, MP Simon
says, and he is hoping that her achievements will continue to inspire others.
 
Williams Willis died at home on Sunday, June 2, reportedly after a prolonged
illness.