After the team played Shorter University on Feb. 28, Williams was “horse playing” with her brother and reached out to catch herself as he tackled her. She landed on her arm and broke it, side-lining her for the majority of the season.
“It was the worst feeling ever. I was totally devastated. I immediately thought, ‘Crap, I just let my whole team down,” Williams said.
Williams leaves big shoes for teammates to fill, according to Hall. The senior has been a starter on the team since her freshman year, consistently pitching, playing left field and leading in runs batted in.
“It is very hard to replace such an impact player with as much experience as she has,” Hall said. “Most of all, I was very disappointed for [Williams]. To not be able to play, especially having such a huge role on the team, was devastating.”
Several players have been filling in for Williams in the outfield and in the line-up including Carlie Brickley, freshman business administration major; Reagan Schrader, junior psychology major and Carter Mansolino, senior biology major.
Kelly Robey, senior sports management major, has been filling in on the mound for the majority of this season’s innings, earning Gulf South Conference pitcher of the week twice in March for her efforts.
Hall said she has been pleased with the team’s performance so far.
“I couldn’t ask for more from our team right now,” she said.
Though Williams can’t take the field herself, she said she has continued to help her team in any way she can, including coaching their hitting and fielding during practice and “just uplifting people who are down and motivating them,” she said.
Despite the unexpected loss of a key player, Hall said she had high hopes for the season.
“We have a great ball team who knows what it is like to win, what it takes to win and how to win. If we take care of business as a team, we will be able to compete for the GSC title,” she said.
Williams will return to the doctor in a few weeks and may be able to return for the end of the regular season games as well as post season depending on how her arm is healing.
She said that she hopes to see players continue to help the Lady Bulldogs’ season stay a successful one.
“I hope that we continue to work hard and win the rest of our games,” she said. “I would also like to finally heal and be able to get back out there and help my team as soon as possible.”
The next game will be at Union this Saturday, April 11 against the University of West Alabama at 1:00 p.m.
