Rilee Williams is a leader on the softball field, but her influence stretches beyond her role as center fielder for Stigler High School. Known as the “leader of the outfield,” Rilee’s confidence has grown over the years, thanks to the trust her coach and teammates have placed in her. “Coach Adam Engle calls me the leader of the outfield, which I feel has helped me be more confident in my athletic ability. I know that my outfield teammates hold me to a very high standard.”
Rilee’s journey in softball began early, thanks to her father’s passion for baseball. “My father played baseball in high school and raised me to play ball.” Her family’s long tradition in the sport, even extending back to her great-grandfather coaching Little League, helped instill a deep love for the game. That foundation, paired with her admiration for Oklahoma softball star Jayda Coleman, shaped her into the standout player she is today.
This season, Rilee and her teammates are more connected than ever. “The team’s chemistry this season has been great, given that we all played softball together since the age of six.” This bond, forged over years of shared experiences, is a key factor in their success. They’re driven by the disappointment of falling short in the super regionals last year, a challenge that has motivated them to come back stronger. “We knew we could do better, and that challenge has fueled us to be that much better to win this year.”
As for Rilee’s goals, she has adopted her coach’s mantra: “Win the next pitch.” This mindset has carried the team through countless games and will continue to guide them as they aim for more victories this season.
After graduation, Rilee plans to take a different path. Due to a hip injury she’s been playing through, she doesn’t see herself continuing softball in college. Instead, she hopes to pursue a degree in education and return to Stigler as a teacher. “I plan to come back to Stigler High School and give back to the community that helped me as a student-athlete.”
