SHREVEPORT YOUNG PEOPLE:
The Vessel. The Role Model. The Achiever.
Dr. TISHA WILLIAMS, DPT - Physical Therapist
by Marcinho Savant, Staff Writer
Dr. TISHA WILLIAMS, DPT - Physical Therapist
by Marcinho Savant, Staff Writer
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Another star shines bright in the Shreveport skies, and I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her radiance, as she whirred swiftly, and quietly by me. Born and raised in Shreveport, Dr. Tisha Williams, DPT, spends her time developing young athletes, and healing those in need of physical therapy. In all ways, she serves.
Never at a loss for interests, or activities to explore as a child growing up, Tisha enjoyed SCUBA diving, Cheer-leading, violin, gymnastics, piano, and even a little soccer. As passions go, however, gymnastics won. She began training at the age of six. Even then, she loved learning new things, any physical activity. Her parents assured that their daughter was getting a taste of everything which interested her. Tisha thrived as an athlete at the national, and regional, levels, as a junior, and collegiate gymnast. Her parents, Troy and Evangeline Williams are fully credited for the young woman Dr. Williams has become. With Dad from Keithville, and Mom from Arcadia, there is good, solid Louisiana upbringing in the children they raised. Tisha has a medical sibling, Anunda, seven years her senior. |
Having an unwitting role model in the house, her older sister was in college when Tisha was in middle school. Tisha, contrary to generalizations, was “the mean one”, she admitted, lovingly. She saw her sister as hard working, and inspiring. She, too, wanted to go to college. She watched her sister go into nursing as a profession. “We had thoughts of even having some sort of medical practice together.” One could easily surmise that their parents endowed them with all the many tools they would need in order to become the successful, intelligent, strong, women they have become.
“My parents are pretty good, very strict, but they had purpose for what they did and I’m sure they kept me out of trouble. These days, they treat me as an adult, but they’re always there, and always willing to help, even though they know I don’t necessarily need it. If I have a problem with my car, I can always call my dad. My mom and dad are always willing to offer advice. I trust their opinions, and guidance--- not like before when you had to listen because you were the child. My parents are like ‘…but now, you’re grown, but this is our opinion.’ We were raised with consequences related to the choices we made. They were protective, and when we messed up, there were punishments.
Like many Shreveport families, The Williams’ are people of faith. They are members of the Linwood Baptist church family. Christian mores even translate to the gymnastics academy where Tisha coaches. Jill Brown’s (“Jill’s” ) Gymnastics takes pride in providing a nurturing, Christian, wholesome, environment for their students.
Chris Hirsch (Gym Co-Owner, and Girls Team Coach), and his wife, and business partner, Jill Hirsch are the architects of this safe place for the gymnasts to become their best. Christianity is not a prerequisite of attendance. Tisha says, “A lot of coaches happen to be Christians, not by design. We don’t sit and teach the word, but we do play Christian music every day, all genres. If girls have questions, no one is shy to say ‘here’s a verse’, and helping the girls to clear their questions. We pray with the girls before competitions. Prayer isn’t mandatory for the gymnasts.”
“My parents are pretty good, very strict, but they had purpose for what they did and I’m sure they kept me out of trouble. These days, they treat me as an adult, but they’re always there, and always willing to help, even though they know I don’t necessarily need it. If I have a problem with my car, I can always call my dad. My mom and dad are always willing to offer advice. I trust their opinions, and guidance--- not like before when you had to listen because you were the child. My parents are like ‘…but now, you’re grown, but this is our opinion.’ We were raised with consequences related to the choices we made. They were protective, and when we messed up, there were punishments.
Like many Shreveport families, The Williams’ are people of faith. They are members of the Linwood Baptist church family. Christian mores even translate to the gymnastics academy where Tisha coaches. Jill Brown’s (“Jill’s” ) Gymnastics takes pride in providing a nurturing, Christian, wholesome, environment for their students.
Chris Hirsch (Gym Co-Owner, and Girls Team Coach), and his wife, and business partner, Jill Hirsch are the architects of this safe place for the gymnasts to become their best. Christianity is not a prerequisite of attendance. Tisha says, “A lot of coaches happen to be Christians, not by design. We don’t sit and teach the word, but we do play Christian music every day, all genres. If girls have questions, no one is shy to say ‘here’s a verse’, and helping the girls to clear their questions. We pray with the girls before competitions. Prayer isn’t mandatory for the gymnasts.”
A voracious learner, with a passion for education, Tisha was schooled right here in town. Attending Jefferson Magnet, Caddo Middle, Magnet High, LSUS, and LSU Health Sciences Center over the years, the end result are her Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences, and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She is just 26 years of age, with a limitless future ahead of her.
Bookish as a kid, Tisha didn’t hang out with friends so much, “Because school and gymnastics were very important to me. I spent most of the time in the gym, then homework, then coaching, then a workout, then home to finish homework, up till 2am, then up at five to do it again the next day!” When you meet her, one can instantly detect her level of seriousness, earnest dedication to excellence, and devotion to making a difference. When gently cajoled, her incredible sense of humor emerges effortlessly, though somewhat reluctantly.
Williams chose the healing professions, but with a goal which encompassed her two passions. She went to Physical Therapy (PT) school because of gymnastics. An avid, talented, competitive gymnast herself, from childhood, she knew that she would be a better coach to the gymnasts she trains today. “Having PT knowledge helps me develop conditioning plans, and injury prevention protocols. I want to be the best coach to them I can be to my girls. Having strong knowledge of the body, and its mechanics gives me the edge I need, to keep them fit, and safe”, she said.
Tisha still dreams of integrating PT and gymnastics --- merging them to create a solid program of healthy training, and healing. The girls she coaches fully benefit from the jointure from Williams experience. What of her work/life balance? “My work/life balance is easier to manage as my schedule is flexible in home health (where she practices PT). Thankfully I have the flexibility to do what I do.”
The young woman, who has so much, still has dreams to realize. She wants to get married, have a family. She wants her family to grow up in church. “I’m not going to force Christianity on my kids. I will raise them with that background, and hope they follow the proper path when they’re grown.
Dr. Tisha has dated a few people in her life, but her priorities prevailed. “It wasn’t what I wanted at that time, and I continue praying that God sends the man I want in my life. I want two to four children, but we make our plans for ourselves--- God has plans for us already.”
“Even though I’m single, I always take it as a lesson. I’m never upset if it didn’t work out. I don’t take it as a failure, or a regret. I take it as a lesson that God has allowed me to learn to better myself. I’m big on trying to be a vessel for God, especially with my girls. I want people to be able to seek Him and find Him, and hope they do. I try really hard to be that light, and that vessel.”