Kansas City, MO – Living the artist-athlete dream, Academy of Art University Volleyball's Meg Williams begins a new chapter of her life this month as a photography intern with the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. The standout School of Photography student bids farewell to a squad with whom she spent three of the past four seasons.

"It's a bittersweet moment for me seeing Meg's journey come to end with our team," head coach Ed Jackson said. "I'm sad to see a great teammate and role model leave our program.  At the same time, I am very excited for her opportunity to work in the Kansas City Chiefs organization. Our goal here at Academy of Art is to assist in the growth and development of our student-athletes and help them gain the skills and empowerment to pursue their dream careers.  For some, the opportunity to move on to the next level comes earlier than others."

Ever the opportunist, Williams this summer uncovered an internship posting by the Chiefs on a sport team job website, applied, and after reviewing her brilliant portfolio, the franchise brought her on. Among her responsibilities will be shooting games, editing photos, covering stadium events, and generally assisting the team photographer.

Sporting a resume that included a freelance role shooting for the Portland Tribune along with an internship at Sports Illustrated last summer, Williams steps into Kansas City well prepared as a dedicated sports photographer. She cites the skills she perfected on and off the Academy of Art volleyball court as reason for her success.

"Academy of Art has taught me to have a critical eye," Williams said. "My experience here has helped me dissect photos and understand better what makes a compelling image. I have also learned the technical side such as studio and location lighting as well as editing programs. However, I think volleyball has prepared me the most for this job. I have learned how to succeed under pressure, how to collaborate with others to work towards a common goal, and it has instilled a strong sense of integrity in all that I do. I have learned numerous life skills from ART U Volleyball and I am so grateful for that."

This past summer, Williams returned home to Oregon to serve as an intern for Mitchelldyer Photography, who handles a variety of professional sports teams. Among the clubs she served were Major League Soccer's Portland Timbers, Minor League Baseball's Hillsboro Hops (which feeds the Arizona Diamondbacks), and the Portland Thorns of the National Women's Soccer League.

"I'm so proud of Megan and her accomplishments at our university," Coach Jackson said. "I look forward to Megan's continued contact as she continues to grow in the National Football League and becomes a proud alumni of our program."

After starting her quest with her first internship as an Academy of Art freshman back in 2010, Williams now adds a sixth opportunity to her resume. An integral member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for three years as well as a two-time PacWest Academic All-Conference Team honoree Williams' determination to become a professional photojournalist remains as precise as that of an outside hitter on the attack.

"My advice is to get involved," Williams said. "Get to know your fellow student athletes as well as classmates. You will be able to collaborate with them and create something that is bigger than you individually. Get involved in the community and join clubs like SAAC or our Greek life [Sigma Delta]. Work hard to be the best you can in the classroom just like you do on the court, field, track or course. You are a special individual if you are an artist-athlete. There are so many doors that will open for you because you know how to work hard and are creative; use that work ethic to your advantage."