Athletes put in an enormous amount of work to prepare themselves for competition. Depending upon what sport they play, the work necessary can differ, but work is still required. Avery Williams is an athlete at Eufaula High School and says that if you want to be successful, you have to be willing to be invested.
“Hard work is the biggest factor in success in sports,” she said. “Working hard since I was little is what has gottne me to where I am now. When I’m pitching, having my twin sister as my catcher helps tremendously because we understand each other and the game in the same way.”
Williams, who is a junior, plays both softball and basketball for the Lady Ironheads. She is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the National Honor Society. As an athlete at Eufaula, Williams says that there are a couple of teams that she and her teammates enjoy to get a win against the most.
“It’s always a good day to beat Checotah,” she stated. “But the opponent that I enjoy beating the most is Henryetta because we haven’t beaten them in years. I also enjoy beating Morris because it’s good competition to play against fellow travel ball teammates. The highlight moment of my career was beating Atoka and going to regionals last year because Eufaula hasn’t been to regionals in years.”
Eufaula’s softball coach, Ryan Green, says that Williams is an outstanding athlete that helps the team however she can.
“Avery handles a majority of the pitching duties for out team and plays Shortstop when she is not pitching,” Green said. “While in the circle, she gives us a chance to compete in every game. She works fast and throws a ton of strikes thus really manages the pace and flow of the game. While at short, she is extremely solid and wants to go get any ball she can.”
In the classroom, Avery has enjoyed most of her teachers but has one that made a lasting impact.
“The teacher that has had the biggest influence on my life is Tandi Efurd,” she said. “She was the best at explaining any questions I had. She never got frustrated when the class didn’t understand.”
