North Allegheny grad swims into Richmond hall of fame

Former North Allegheny swimmer Jen MacKay Williams expects her induction into the University of Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame on Nov. 1 to get her some cred around her house.

“At this stage of life, where my world is consumed with my kids and their sports, it’s nice to have this honor to maybe gain a little more respect from them,” said Williams, 44, of Purcellville, Va. “I’ve got, almost, three teenagers who sometimes question if I know what I’m talking about, and my two oldest have been fortunate in being pretty accomplished at an early age in their sports (lacrosse and football).

“But as of right now, they can’t top mom’s college hall of fame.”

Richmond cited Williams’ versatility in announcing her selection to the 2019 induction class for swimming.

As a senior, she was named the 1997 Colonial Athletic Association Championship Most Outstanding Performer after earning two individual and three relay titles. She amassed 11 conference titles (five individual and six relay) during her career from 1994-97.

At one time, she held Richmond records in the 100-yard backstroke (57.19 seconds) and 200 backstroke (two minutes, 5.07 seconds). She ranked second in the 100 butterfly (56.94) and third in the 200 individual medley (2:09.06).

She also was among the school’s top performers in the 50 freestyle (24.57), 100 freestyle (52.67), 200 freestyle (1:54.62), 200 butterfly (2:10.78) and 400 individual medley (4:41.30).

She helped the Spiders launch an unbeaten streak of 29 consecutive dual meets from 1996-99.

Following her senior season, she was named Spider Club Female Athlete of the Year and Richmond’s NCAA Woman of the Year nominee.

“Jen was very special to us during those years,” said former Spider coach, Warren Hammer, 68, of Glen Allen, Va. “She was exceptional in swimming in the middle of a relay.”

Williams said her husband, Price, an-ex Spider football player, predicted 20 years ago the Hall of Fame awaited her.

“When we were getting ready to get married, I guess he looked up some of my old swimming records and accolades,” she said. “When I told him about the call, he responded, ‘I told you so.’”

Williams is one of five individuals, plus one team, who will be inducted during a ceremony and dinner on Nov. 1. The class will be introduced during the homecoming football game Nov. 2 against Stony Brook.

Williams’ family, including her parents, Howard and Donna MacKay of McCandless, plan to attend the events. Hammer said he plans to attend the ceremony and dinner.

It is the second time this decade Williams is being recognized.

In 2013, she was inducted into the North Allegheny Hall of Fame, alongside Corky Semler, her high school coach.

“That was very special to be inducted at the same time,” said Williams, the 1992 WPIAL champion in the girls 100 butterfly and a member of four WPIAL and two PIAA championship teams.