 Williams grew up in Rome, New York, where she was a four-year varsity soccer player at Rome Free Academy, before studying conservation biology with the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, linked to Syracuse University.She was a leading member of the college's synchronized skating squad, the Syracuse Orange Experience, and also spent time playing soccer competitively.After moving to New York City, Williams found roller derby and traded in her ice skates for roller skates.