Whitehouse’s Aja Williams signs to play volleyball at Jarvis Christian College.

WHITEHOUSE — Aja Williams won’t have to travel very far to continue her volleyball career.

The standout middle blocker at Whitehouse High School has signed to play for Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins.

“It’s pretty close to home, and I didn’t want to leave my family and friends and go super far off and play,” Williams said. “The coach was also really nice.”

Williams’ high school coach, Britney Nordin, said Jarvis is lucky to get Williams, both as a volleyball player and as a person.

“They’re getting a wonderful young lady,” Nordin said. “She’s obviously a strong volleyball player, but she’s also just a fantastic person. Jarvis is very lucky to have such a wonderful player but more importantly such a wonderful young lady. I have enjoyed watching her grow over the past six years, and I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to be a small part of her story.”

Williams was a three-year varsity player for the Ladycats. Nordin said early in her career, Williams played multiple positions but ultimately solidified herself as a dominant middle blocker.

“I definitely think it made me a more versatile player being able to go out there and adjust and play different positions,” Williams said. “I have a pretty big block, and I think that definitely helps the team out.”

As a junior, Williams had 182 kills, a .304 hitting percentage and a team-high 247 blocks.

As a senior, Williams finished with 100 blocks and 68 kills in just 13 matches to earn District 16-5A Blocker of the Year honors and third-team All-East Texas honors.

Williams said she plans to major in psychology.