You might know Kevon Williams from the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
He’s the guy who hasn’t missed a tournament since Cape Town 2018 and can often be found sprinting down the pitch with deceptive speed to score for Team USA.
What you might not know, is that Williams is a husband and father who currently spends his days entertaining his 8-year old daughter and 6-year old son while remote training for the national team and finishing school work towards his Master’s Degree in finance.
Williams’ daughter Xyah is in the 2nd grade with a personality just like his. His son, Kevon Jr. or “Deuce” is smart and much shyer than his sister.
“Xyah talks a lot and is a real people person,” he said. “Deuce takes after his mom as a quiet introvert. Occasionally you can get him out of his shell in public.”
Both kids and their parents are at home in San Diego, CA where statewide stay at home orders are forcing parents to explain new realities and create new routines for their young ones.
“The hardest part is continuing to find things to do in the house,” said Williams. “I’m proud to say we raised our kids to be a bit more outdoorsy and active, so right now they’re struggling with being inside all day.”
Williams and his wife Marissa have kept communication lines open with simple yet honest explanations of why day-to-day life must adapt.
“We try to just tell the truth about things and answer all the extra questions that come with it. No difficult questions so far but when there are, we are very open. Both our kids understand that there’s a virus out there and it is killing people. They can tell you a bit about it as well.”
Alongside open communication, Williams and his wife have created a comprehensive home-life structure to keep Xyah and Kevon Jr. focused and entertained.
“We try and keep them on a mini schedule so they always have things to do.
“When they wake up, we normally do some type of fitness. They think it's all fun and games so that's good for them.”
“My wife has always had workbooks and a great children's library, so she makes sure they aren't skipping a beat.
“After they have done some type of educational work, we play board games and cards. We have set up nerf gun courses as well as a dunk contest - even though they broke the board.
“They also enjoy helping cook and bake so we all cook together as a family.”
As Williams focuses on providing consistency to his kids, he also maintains that same balance when incorporating school work and training.
Since COVID-19, the USA Men’s Sevens have entered a remote-training regimen to maintain fitness until the team can assemble as a group. As the Olympic Games were postponed and the next World Series event isn’t until September (dates TBD), the program has entered an off-season. But, even then, workouts and conditioning still apply.
“Training is a little different but I have more time to do my school work. I try and do my work when the kids do theirs so we are all free at the same time.”
While there is never a perfect science to balancing husband-father-national team player life, especially through a pandemic, Williams can at least share some wisdom and advice for other parents trying to balance similar demands.
“Make a plan for the week in advance,” said Williams.
“It is definitely harder when you have to plan each day while you're in it. If you plan ahead you can get ready and it gives the kids something to look forward to.”
Williams and his wife have also set up a 'house store’ where Xyah and Kevon Jr. can earn rewards for good behavior.
“My sister gave me the really cool idea of making a house store. We took all the sweets, treats and other things our kids like to do and put them in one place. From the time Xyah and Deuce wake up, they can start earning tickets to buy at the store.
“Making their bed, cleaning their rooms and reading books are all on the list to earn tickets and we also have a list of fines where tickets can be taken.
“Kids should be doing most of this stuff anyway but it always helps to have a little motivation.”
The Williams family have certainly embedded themselves in a routine through quarantine.
While we all feel the itch to resume normal-life, creating new habits and daily activity schedules keep the mind engaged until the threat of COVID-19 subsides.
