Former University of Texas-Dallas softball player Amber Williams was born and raised in Kilgore, Texas. She attended Kilgore College her freshman and sophomore year, then transferred to UTD to finish off her softball career. A biology major in college, Amber was a leader on and off the field, and was the type of player who would pick up her teammates whenever they were down–she even received a Leadership Excellence Award her first and second year at Kilgore College. The UTD softball player speaks on her recruitment process from high school to Kilgore College, and from Kilgore College to UTD.

2aDays: When looking to get recruited out of high school, what were a few characteristics   you were looking for in the coach, as well as the school?

Amber Williams: During my high school recruiting process, I wanted to attend an institution that first and foremost would allow me to pursue my dreams of being a high school science teacher, and a softball coach. I wanted to attend a school that put an emphasis on education just as much as athletics. In my coach, I was looking for someone who was knowledgeable about the game of softball, and not only a good coach, but also portrayed a good personality that promoted constructive criticism and comfort on the field.  

2aDays: What made your recruiting process easy/hard? How?

Amber Williams: My recruiting process was fairly easy as I had help from my high school coach, who helped me get my foot in the door into Kilgore College. The coach was a very good communicator who made my transition from high school softball to college softball smooth. 

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2aDays: What is your greatest strength as an athlete?

Amber Williams: My greatest strength as an athlete is the ability to lead a team. I was a team captain for three years during my high school career. During my freshman year of college, I began shifting into a captain's role towards the end of the season as our team captains were leaving. Being a captain my sophomore year at Kilgore College, I faced challenges that forced me into developing a more mature role as a captain, as I transferred to The University of Texas at Dallas. I continued to play the leadership role after I transferred and have maintained it into my senior year. 

2aDays: How hard was your recruiting process out of high school versus transferring from a junior college?

Amber Williams:  When transferring from high school and junior college, I had the help of former coaches, who made the recruitment process easier for me. From Kilgore High School to Kilgore College, I had the help of my high school coach, Cheyenne Savony, who set up a [route] for me. When leaving Kilgore College, my coach, Leslie Messina, informed me of a showcase camp for junior college athletes. This camp allowed junior college athletes to showcase their skills in front of about fifty coaches, ranging from Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, and NAIA institutions. I attended this showcase, and was recruited by one of Coach Messina's colleagues, who she knew through softball. 

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2aDays: Do you find it difficult finding the time to balance school work with practice, games, workouts, and extracurricular activities?

Amber Williams: While in junior college, we had schedules made for us that allotted time for practice, games, and workouts. There was a mandatory study hall for all athletes, until we acquired a 3.0 GPA for the semester. There was not a lot of time left over for extra-curricular activities. When transferring to a Division III institution, the NCAA rules did not allow as much time for softball, because there are a certain amount of hours we are allowed to practice, and workout. Division III institutions are primarily focused on academics instead of athletics, which is why they are not allowed to give out athletic scholarships.  Because of this, I was able to balance school, softball and extra-curricular activities, which I am now involved in. 

2aDays: What makes you a great asset to your team?

Amber Williams: I am an asset to my team by being a leader on and off the field, as well as being a flexible player. I transferred as a third baseman and going into my last year, I played third, first, right field and designated player, in order for my coaches to find the best lineup.

2aDays: How do you handle stress and pressure, on and off the field?

Amber Williams: For on the field stress, I realize that the previous play is over, and I learn from my mistake. I will grab a handful of dirt and then throw it back down on the ground, to symbolize that in the same way I cannot grab the same grains of dirt, I will not make that mistake again. In order to handle my off the field stress, which predominantly comes from my academics, I will make a color-coded calendar per class to ensure that I complete my assignments in a timely manner, to the best of my abilities.

Related: How Much Free Time Do College Athletes Have?

2aDays: What has been your greatest accomplishment as an athlete?

Amber Williams: My greatest accomplishment as an athlete to date, has been being the first African-American in The University of Texas at Dallas softball program. There have been some challenges academically and socially as I experienced a culture shock, but I have persevered through all odds and was not only a member of the team but an impact player. This accomplishment is so important to me because it can be a motivation to other African-American softball players, who are minorities in the sport, that they can achieve their dreams as well.

2aDays: Can you describe for me a time during a game that you will never forget, when you performed extremely well?

Amber Williams: Some moments that I will never forget due to my performance, would have to be my freshman and junior year. I was not a starter, so I was just waiting for my

moment to come off of the bench and prove myself. In both years, I had pinch hit home runs that allowed me more opportunities at the plate which transitioned into my coaches finding a starting defensive spot for me.

2aDays: What excites you the most about a career as an athlete?

Amber Williams: The friendships and relationships that I have developed through my career as an athlete are unmatched, compared to any championships or accolades that I have obtained through the years. 

2aDays: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you on the field, or during a game, in your collegiate career?

Amber Williams: During a fall game of my senior year, I was so pumped to get the steal sign from my coach. I stole second (and was safe) and did a pop up slide; when I looked down,

my pants had ripped down the side from my hip to my knee cap. If it were not for my sliders, I would have been exposed to everyone at the ballpark.

2aDays: What is your best memory with your team that happened on a road trip or in a dorm?

Amber Williams: In JUCO, we always had the best bus rides back from games and good times in the dorm. Coming back from games, we would connect our phones to the Bluetooth speakers on the bus and jam out on the way home.

2aDays: What is your favorite post game meal?

Amber Williams: Chick-fil-a is an always go-to meal.

2aDays: What is your favorite memory with your team?

Amber Williams: At Kilgore College, we were the first team in the history of the program to make it to the regional tournament.

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* Originally published on June 16, 2022, by Brianna Davis