In preparation for induction weekend, I was tasked with completing a few things; providing a guest list, a short video, finding pictures from my time at Harvard. Nothing too taxing, and all of which exciting in differing ways. However, I found great difficulty in completing my personal essay. On one hand, I had the self-imposed expectations that I needed to draft something profound with poignant quotes or flowery prose. On the other hand, I grappled with accurately recollecting what and how I felt over 20 years ago. I waffled as I spent time thinking about what others would want to hear me say as opposed to what I wanted to say.

My time at Harvard was nothing short of amazing. This place is my second home. That’s why my family didn’t hesitate to come back to coach at the first opportunity. In my mind, a word that will always be synonymous with Harvard to me is belonging. However, just like over 20 years ago, today, there are many that felt/feel like that I didn’t/don’t belong here.

In December 2003 I made one of the best decisions of my life when I committed to play football at Harvard. Overall, the reception was positive. I would say, the vast majority of people were beyond happy for me. However, there was a contingent that questioned the merit of my admission; of whether I belonged. To them, I was considered an affirmative action admission.

When I arrived on campus the excitement was palpable. First years learning their new surroundings. Meeting people that would forever change and remain in your life. However, what stood out to me was how many times that I was asked ‘what sport do you play?’ as if the only reason someone that looked like me belonged at Harvard because I played a sport. Ironically, the overwhelming majority of those that looked like me were not varsity athletes. Simply the best and brightest that wanted to be around like-minded individuals.

What is so funny about the sentiment that being a football player eased my admissions is the fact that I and other recruited athletes had to do so much work to even be in a position of consideration. To be a state or nationally recognized athlete as well as a student is not an easy task. This says nothing of what it took to maintain this standard once in college. Harvard, as competitive as it is athletically, will first, foremost and forever be the premier academic institution in the world. And there are no shortcuts as an athlete. The expectation of excellence is demanded on both sides of the river. So, to say that someone is at Harvard because they’re an athlete should not be used as a means to denigrate. But to celebrate.

Today, as a coach, I hear the same conversations I experienced decades ago as it pertains to recruiting student athletes. What school does he come from? What area of the country is he from? These are simply new ways of saying the same things that were said to and about me 20 years ago. But today, affirmative action isn’t the term that is thrown around. It is ‘DEI’ that is the phrase many use when they want to determine if someone that looks like me or comes from where I’m from belongs or not.

I do not know if anyone will ever read this essay or not. But if you do, I think that it should be obvious that graduating from Harvard and being inducted into the Varsity Club Hall of Fame means that I did, in fact, belong. But my accomplishments do not matter. My on the field play and accolades are nothing but a memory. Most that read this will have never seen me play a down of football. What matters, and what I would want anyone reading this to know: once I walked through the door, I belonged. And so do you. Here or any place else that you want to take up space. And please, occupy that space completely, fully, and as your authentic self. And never let anyone do or say anything to diminish that feeling within you. As proud as I am to have been inducted, an honor that I never aspired to or expected, I am most proud that I overcame the feelings of self-doubt due to external voices. That I no longer pay attention to others’ insinuations.

That here or wherever else I am, I forever belong.

Steven Keith Williams Jr.

Harvard Class of 2008

Harvard Varsity Club Hall of Fame Class of 2025