Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaliyah Williams.
Hi Aaliyah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey with Behind the Game Podcast started through my experiences as a student-athlete.
I’ve been involved in sports like track, volleyball, and basketball, and over time I realized that there’s so much more to being an athlete than just competing. There’s the mindset, the discipline, the pressure, and the sacrifices that people don’t always see.
I wanted to create something that gave athletes like me a voice.
That’s how Behind the Game started. I wanted a platform where young athletes could talk about their real experiences — not just wins, but also challenges, lessons, and what it really takes to balance sports, school, and life.
Since starting, I’ve learned so much behind the scenes — from recording and interviewing guests to building a brand and growing on social media. It’s been a process, but it’s helped me grow not just as an athlete, but as a leader and communicator.
Now, the podcast is continuing to grow, and I’m excited to keep building something that inspires other young athletes like me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.
One of the biggest challenges has been starting something new without really knowing exactly how everything works. There’s a lot that goes into creating a podcast — planning episodes, finding guests, recording, editing, and then promoting it.
Another challenge has been growth and engagement. Sometimes you put a lot of effort into something and don’t immediately see the support or response you expected. That can be frustrating, especially when you really believe in what you’re building.
Balancing everything has also been a challenge. As a student-athlete, I have school, practices, and competitions, so finding time to stay consistent with the podcast takes discipline.
But through all of that, I’ve learned to stay patient, keep showing up, and trust the process. Every challenge has helped me grow and get better.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As the host of Behind the Game Podcast, I interview athletes and talk about the real side of sports — the mindset, discipline, and challenges that people don’t always see. I specialize in creating conversations that go beyond highlights and focus on what it really takes to succeed.
I ask questions that other athletes actually connect with because I’m living it too.
What I’m most proud of is building something of my own at a young age. A lot of people wait for opportunities, but I created one — not just for myself, but for other athletes as well.
What sets me apart is that I’m not just talking about sports — I’m actively competing, learning, and growing at the same time. I understand both sides, and that allows me to connect with athletes in a different way.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is making an impact and staying true to who I am.
I want young athletes to feel like they’re not alone — like someone understands what they’re going through. Whether it’s pressure, balancing school and sports, or just trying to improve, I want my platform to help inspire and motivate them.
It also matters to me to represent confidence, discipline, and hard work. Those are things I live by as an athlete, and I want that to come through in everything I do.
At the end of the day, it’s bigger than just a podcast. It’s about creating something meaningful that can inspire others and leave a positive impact.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @behindthegamepodcast
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BehindTheGamePodcast_Youth
- Other: https://linktr.ee/behindthegamepodcast
