Micheala Williams is enjoying a fantastic junior year on the golf course at the University of Tennessee, but some of her toughest matches take place when she comes back home to Athens.

After all, her sister, Alli Williams, is a future SEC golfer herself, having signed to play with Mississippi State in the fall.

“I went home last weekend and me and her played, and we’re pretty competitive when we play against each other,” Micheala Williams said. “I definitely won last weekend, though. Our biggest competition is to see who drives it the farthest. She does get me sometimes.”

Micheala’s battles with her sister on the course certainly haven’t hurt her collegiate career, as she is enjoying her best season with the Volunteers.

Williams, an Athens High alum, has three top-10 finishes this season, including a second place finish at the FAU Winter Warm-Up, and a victory in the Gators Invitational.She recently took home eighth place in the Hawkeye El Tigre Invitational in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

“That was so cool,” Williams said of playing in Mexico. “It was my first time ever going out of the country. We stayed on a resort right on the beach. It was our spring break, so we went down three days early and got to enjoy it. And the golf course was awesome.”

Her quality play has continued this week, as she was tied for the lead of the Clemson Invitational through 36 holes after shooting a second-round 67.

Williams has improved her average score more than a full stroke from her sophomore season. In nine tournaments, her average score is 73.21, with a low score round of 65.

She credits the improvement to managing her shots better and an improved swing.

“I think I just got better at course management,” Williams said. “Coach Judi (Pavon) has done a good job of stressing course management. I’ve also been working with my swing coach a lot, and made some good swing changes the past two years.”

Pavon said Williams has always had talent, but has come into her own this season.

“She is a very solid player, but has lacked consistency in the past,” Pavon said in a press release. “This spring she has really found a way to play well day in and day out.”

Williams’ solid play this spring sets her up well for the SEC Tournament, which will take place at Greystone Golf and County Club in Hoover. It is a course she knows well, having played there in the SEC Tournament twice before.

“I’m looking forward to playing it for the third time,” Williams said. “I’m pretty confident that our team can play really well there.”

Williams is also looking forward to next season, when she and her sister can face off in competition that will count more than just bragging rights.

“I’m excited about her going to Mississippi State,” Williams said. “We are going to (Mississippi State’s) home tournament, and there are a few other tournaments we should see each other at. I hope we end up playing together in a tournament. That would be a lot of fun.”