Lauren Rain Williams

Lauren Rain Williams during her visit to Oregon

(Courtesy of Lauren Rain Williams)

Lauren Rain Williams' mom has a saying when her daughter is on the track.

"There's always a 100 percent chance of Rain."

That weather report contrasts wildly from the one delivered in Eugene by Don Essig that, "it never rains in Autzen Stadium."

But it seems unlikely Duck fans will mind the disparity over the next few years.

On Monday evening, Williams, the nation's fastest 200-meter runner, announced her commitment to the University of Oregon.

Williams, who has posted the sixth-best 200-meter time in history at the high school level (22.80), is a two-time New Balance Nationals Indoor champion in the 200 and won the 200-meter silver medal at the IAAF World Youth Championships in 2015.

For the senior, out of Oaks Christian High School (California), the road to Oregon was a long one, as she originally signed a national letter of intent with USC.

However, after having second thoughts, she asked to be released from the bidding NCAA contract.

"It was in my hometown, it's 20 minutes away from me, it's been my dream school since I was about nine," Williams said. "I love the institution itself and I just felt like that was it for me. Then, moving on, these last few months, I felt like I might have rushed my decision a little bit in just being like, 'Oh, I'm going to go there.' I had my mind set."

The decorated sprinter made a point to thank her once-future school for being so gracious throughout her recruiting process.

"USC was very willing to help me out, and I really appreciate that part," she said.

Williams committed to coach Robert Johnson on the phone earlier this week, and said a major factor in her decision was Oregon's recent success.

She hopes to emulate two current Duck athletes during his college career.

"Hannah Cunliffe and Daejah Stevens," she said. "Hannah is special to me, just because I've known her my whole track career. She's like family to me and I've always looked up to her."

Williams is set to enroll at Oregon in the fall, where her top 200-meter time from her junior season in high school (22.44; wind-aided) would've won the Pac-12 Championships, and placed third at the NCAA championship meet last year - behind only Oregon sprinters Stevens (22.25) and Ariana Washington (22.21).

-- Andrew Nemec

anemec@oregonian.com

@AndrewNemec