As the top lacrosse player in the nation, Duke’s Dyson Williams was selected as the first overall pick in the 2023 National Lacrosse League draft. Despite having an opportunity to begin his professional career with Albany, Williams chose to return to Duke for his final year of eligibility with a goal of leading the Blue Devils to even greater heights than their runner-up finish in the previous year.
Williams comes from a family deeply entrenched in lacrosse. His sister, Dylana, is a star athlete for the University of Pittsburgh and shares her love for the sport with her brother. The Williams family has a special connection to the number 51, which they wear as a symbol of their father and their shared passion for lacrosse. For them, playing lacrosse brings them closer together and represents strength and humility.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck the Williams family in 2014 when Dyson’s younger brother Tucker was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma, a rare form of cancer. Tucker’s battle inspired his family to create the Braver than Brave foundation in his honor. The foundation strives to donate money to children’s hospitals in Toronto where their loved ones reside, continuing Tucker’s legacy even after his passing.
As Williams continues on his journey at Duke, he carries with him not only his own determination but also that of his brother Tucker. The Williams family’s commitment to strength and humility through their love for lacrosse serves as a powerful reminder of how families can come together during difficult times and how tragedy can shape our lives in profound ways.
