by submitted
Following a summer focused on rehabbing her knee after tearing her ACL, Makayla Williams, is ready to begin her college softball career at the defending Division 2 national champion Augustana University located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
“I’ve worked really hard all summer to regain my strength and maintain my skills” said Makayla.
As an athlete hard work and success has been common place for this member of the Cherokee Nation. In softball, Makayla, a pitcher, has been part of a team that won regionals and made the state tournament all four years of her high school career. During that time individual awards have accumulated from new-comer of the year as a freshman to being named an all-state pitcher her senior year. She has carried that same hard work and success driven mind set to her travel ball team where she has made all-star teams, awarded MVPs, and even won a National Championship.
“Softball has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, the competition drives me to work hard, reach my goals, and hopefully have some fun along the way”.
In terms of recruiting, Makayla had significant interest from colleges across the country. Remaining focused on balancing athletics and academics, she committed to Augustana University.
“From my first visit to Augie I felt very comfortable and loved how they focused on all aspects of the student-athlete. I could tell there was importance placed on both.”
Following her senior year of softball, Makayla, a three-year starter in basketball, entered the season ready to compete. “I was excited to finish out my basketball career and see if we could make a playoff run”. Unfortunately, late into the playoffs she tore her ACL and was unable to finish with the team. “That was devastating to me. I had worked so hard and now had so much uncertainty in front of me”. Ultimately Makayla received defensive MVP and made the all-conference team, but the individual awards paled in comparison to the reality of surgery and rehab. “I knew I had a lot of hard work ahead of me, but I had to accept reality, get focused, and put in the effort”.
The positive outcome from knee surgery and rehab has Makayla looking forward to beginning workouts with her new team at Augustana and preparing to make a title run in the Spring. “I have been pitching and hitting in preparation for fall practices. I am still progressing but am certain I will be 100% once the season gets here. This whole process has taught me that if I focus on the things I can control, have a positive outlook, and work hard, good things will happen”.
