Eastside’s Malicah Williams Balances Books, Blitzes

For Malicah Williams, the second part of his double life is just beginning when the final school bell rings at Eastside High School. 

After spending seven hours in the classroom, Williams still has football to think about. As a junior cornerback and wide receiver for the Rams (2-7), he has plays to learn, practices to get through and big shoes to fill as captain. On his desk, there’s homework waiting for him when he’s home. 

Biology, AP U.S. History, statistics and computer science are just a few of the classes filling his schedule. As a student in Eastside’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, Williams has spent years learning how to manage the demands of the classroom alongside the demands of the football field.

The IB Program is “a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, focused on the classical liberal arts and sciences. Founded in the 1960s as a common university entrance credential to serve a consortium of international schools, the program is available today in more than 5,400 schools in 150 countries around the world,” according to Eastside High School.

“I’m at school from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” Williams said. “We started doing study hall; I study for whichever test we have that week, or knock out some of my homework before I get home.”

The routine continues long into the afternoon. When he gets home, he switches out his cleats for his calculator, knocking out leftover homework and study material and reviewing the Spanish song of the week before going to sleep.

“It’s rinse and repeat,” Williams said.

When asked if he loses sleep over his disciplined schedule, he chuckled.

“Definitely. You have to stay up late to try to finish, especially if you’re trying to study for a test you have the next day,” Williams said.

In addition to Williams’ English, Spanish, social studies, mathematics and experimental sciences classes, he’s also responsible for courses in ‘Theory of Knowledge’ and completing independent research, composed of an essay of 4,000 words and documented research experiences outside of the classroom.  

Williams has been in the IB program since ninth grade. The workload is demanding, he said, but he appreciates the people around him and the opportunities the program provides.

“The IB Program is a lot of work. It’s a hard workload,” Williams said. “I take seven classes. I like it; you’re surrounded by great people.”

For Williams, choosing Eastside was about a more emotional third choice, other than academics or football. It was about family.

His father and brother both attended Eastside. His brother was also part of the IB program. Williams knew as early as eighth grade that he wanted to follow in their footsteps.

“All of my friends from Howard Bishop were going to the IB program, so I was like, ‘I might as well give it a shot,’” Williams said.

That decision has become part of a larger legacy he feels responsible for continuing.

“It definitely plays a huge role,” Williams said. “Not wanting to let anybody down, trying to keep that legacy going, and live up to the standard.”

The pressure to meet that standard extends to the football field, where Williams has emerged as a player his coaches can rely on.

Eastside coach Harold Hoskins described Williams as a weekly captain and player who commits himself to whatever he does. That commitment becomes even more impressive when paired with the demands of his academic schedule.

“That’s the type of kid he is. He’s all in, whether he’s playing football or whatever he’s doing,” Hoskins said. “The thing about the commitment that he has to have while having a full load in school, having to learn all the offensive plays, defensive plays and still come out here and play 100-150 snaps a game.”

Williams’ commitment also reflects in his loyalty to the Rams. He chose to remain at Eastside when other opportunities were available, and after losing several seniors and players to transfers. Instead, he stayed.

“He could’ve joined other teams, but he decided to compete against them,” Hoskins said. “He had a way out, and he said, ‘No, you know what, I’m sticking out. I’m going to compete; I want to go against the best,’ and that’s what he did.”

For Williams, staying a Ram was always about the relationships he’s built and who he has become beyond football. 

“All of the coaching staff has taught me many life lessons beyond football,” Williams said. “Things that can stay with me throughout my life, help me with anything. I have a lot of respect for those guys. Honestly, I wouldn’t even feel comfortable going to play anywhere else. That’s why I chose to stay here.”

One relationship that stands above the rest is with Eastside Athletic Director and defensive coordinator, Donald Buie III. Williams said the trust between them helps him through straining days.

“Sometimes he helps me get through the day because I know he’s going to come out here and give it his all,” Williams said. “He motivates me a lot.”

That driven mentality translates to the textbook. Whether preparing for a football game or studying for a final, Williams knows the connection between preparation and performance.

He perked up when asked about the importance of discipline, posture straightening, chin held higher and leaning into the mic. You could see his passion for perfecting both crafts in the way he spoke of his commitment to the two. 

“Whatever you do, you have to work hard. You’ve got to put in the effort,” Williams said. “To have a good game, you’ve got to come out here and practice hard. If you want to get a good grade on a test, you have to study hard.”

It’s simple. Football requires practice and a strong game plan. School requires preparation and a study plan. 

That approach is already shaping how he thinks about life after high school. Williams hopes to continue playing football at the Division I level while pursuing his education. He has his sights set on the University of Florida or the University of South Florida, two schools he dreams of attending.

His goals leave him with plenty to balance, but Williams has a familiar formula for managing it all: stay committed, trust the people around you and put in the work. For now, that means keeping the rotation between seven classes, football responsibilities and late-night study sessions, all while trying to honor the family legacy that brought him to Eastside in the first place.

Like he said, “Rinse and repeat.” 

The schedule repeats, the workload continues and another day begins. Williams keeps showing up, both in the classroom and on the field. He and the Rams play tonight against Brooksville Hernando High School (4-5) at Citizens Field in the season finale. . 

Category: Eastside High School, Football, Gainesville, High School Sports