TAMPA, Fla. – Junior infielder Kyndall Williams of the USF softball Bulls has been a starter this season, and a key to her success, on and off the field, is to focus on the positive actions.
The USF team and Williams built a successful way of focussing energy for them to win.
“Staying on the positive and not on the negative,” she said, of the key. “Focusing on the little things to improve really makes the difference.”
She’s been working on herself and transmits lively vibes to the team.
“I’m trying to put other people before myself, trying to pick people up, and I know it will be the same, like, If I strike out, I know somebody will pick me up,” Williams said. “I have to be aware of my emotions and my actions because it can affect others.”
Williams understands that success in life takes time, and to overcome those challenges in her way, she sets her mindset on the field to take each day one at the time.
“Take it day by day, and minute by minute,” she said. “You’re not promised tomorrow.”
The former Trenton High School (Florida) infielder helped the team to beat 1-0 against the Penn State Nittany Lions just prior to the shutdown of college sports by the Coronavirus.
She was hitting .269 in 12 games before the Penn State game, with seven hits and 13 total bases.
One of her best softball memories was when she hit her first collegiate home run, a two-run shot, to push the Bulls to a 5-4 win over the Tennessee Lady Vols last February.
“Against Tennessee, I had the walk off, it was an intense moment, and I felt I contributed to the team win,” she said. “I had two strikes on me, and in my mind, I was thinking we deserve this, we busted our butts, and it came down to one pitch.”
As a starter this season, Williams suggests younger players (no matter the age) should enjoy the game – even writing the words “Have fun,” on her glove to remind her that she can joy the moment and always give a top effort.
Jessica Moore, interim head coach for the USF Bulls while Ken Eriksen runs the Olympic team, describes Williams’ passion and audacity as a strength for the group.
“She’s so particular in what she wants,” said Moore, in front of the USF dugout. “She doesn’t take a half effort as acceptable, she always tries to get better, she is passionate about it, we love it, and she’s so fun to watch.”