Maya Williams '25 Recruiting Profile

When I was first introduced to fastpitch softball in the spring of 1st grade, I fell in love. I can't explain it other than to say that it felt like I was just meant for the game. I went on to play 3 more years with a parks and rec league before switching to a club league in 5th grade. It was my first year on the 12u club team that I was assigned to play catcher, but since then I have also played outfield.

I have overheard many spectators and even coaches say that I may not make it into college as a catcher simply because I am a lefty and "catching is not for lefties," but that just makes me more determined to prove them wrong. I am tough and I just take that criticism and turn it into motivation.

I have always been a natural born leader who encourages others to do their best. As a catcher, I try to keep everyone on the field focused. If the 2020 pandemic has shown me anything, it has shown me how much we really need each other as a team, not just on the field but off as well.  We need to keep close ties and keep each other motivated even in the hardest of times.

I may only be in 8th grade right now, but I have always known that I want to be a teacher when I finish college. I love young kids and love teaching them new skills. I have had my sights on a few colleges, but I am open to whatever is available for me. I admire the softball teams of UCLA and University of Washington, but I know my dad would love to have me attend Oregon State as well. I have a cousin who plays D1 softball for Bowling Green State University and she has encouraged me to keep going and to never let anyone tell me that I am not good enough. She is my mentor.

My father was a Running Back at Sherwood High School here in Oregon and was also a State Wrestling Champion. He went on to serve in the Navy before attending Oregon State for Engineering. My mother was born and raised in Canada. She played Volleyball in Junior High School but really excelled in Music and Theater in High School. She went on to receive her degree in Behavioral Science from Concordia University of Alberta.

Academically, I have always strived to keep straight A's. I am a perfectionist who always goes above and beyond to succeed. In my first year of middle school band, I excelled so quickly that my instructor had me try-out for the advanced band. I am a go-getter and "reach for the stars" kind of girl. It would be an absolute pleasure to play softball at a D1 college.