"Sports are in my life forever," states Lois Rhodus Williams.
A definite enthusiast, she's extremely talented in two areas. Her home showcases awards and trophies in her preferences of tennis and golf - think international-level play, doubles or singles, clay and grass.
"I love the exercise these games offer," Lois said, "and especially the people with whom I play.
She credits Title 9 in opening the boundaries for women in sports. The US law, passed on June 23, 1972, specifies equality for all. Lois mentions this to the younger players who accept the current status quo.
"It wasn't always there for us," said Lois.
The following attests to her levels of desire and superb skills:
Golf:
>Invitation to Lyford Clay Ladies International Invitational, 2003, Bahamas
Winner of the Gross division, shooting even par in final round, with a hole-in-one on the final hole.
"The Lyford Cay is a fabulous enclave. Residents include Sean Connery. I didn't spot him."
>Qualified to played in the US Senior Women's Nat'l Championship '99 and 2002
Placed 9th in the championship division
"...I mention the ninth place finish solely because...I was a minimum 20 years older than the other championship qualifiers...some still had acne," she said. "Older women can compete!"
Tennis was played during 1980 - 1989
Ranked #1 in Doubles in the Missouri Valley Conference
Played in the 1988 National 10 Cap Championship at 5.0 level in Las Vegas
Played at Forest Hills NY in the 1987 Grass Course Championship
Kansas City Golf Association (KCGA)
Played in the Missouri Amateur Tournament
Won the Two Women Tournament for two years with a great partner
Won the Singles Match Play Tournament
Club champion several years
Ladies Club Champions Tournament
Pro/Lady Citywide Club Champions
Club Professional's Pro/Am, Big Island, Mona Kea Resort,
Won non-featured event
Lois's most cherished activity is with her family. Her marriage to Jerry Williams, and his being a KU tennis star, supported her decision to play competitively. Their daughters are married and there are five grandchildren. All involved in sports.
"Family vacations are a hoot. We had three grandchildren born on the same day, same hospital, adjacent delivery rooms...daughter #1 was four weeks early with twins, daughter #2 was ten days late with one...in two hours we had boy/girl twins and another girl. We call them the "litter" and they have an older sister each."
