*Josie, Westfall’s shortstop, also helped lead the Mustangs to an SVC volleyball title this past fall. She’s been a key contributor to the school’s softball team for three years. In that time period, Westfall has won three conference titles, two Gold Balls, three sectional crowns and a district title.
CREDIT: Jenny Campbell/SOSA
To [Westfall coaches] Fred [Redman] and [Dylan] Givens: I can’t thank you two enough for everything you’ve done for me and the rest of the team. You guys push me everyday to be better than I was the day before and believe in me when I don’t even believe in myself. You guys make the game more fun than it already is and encourage me to give it everything I have all the time.
Thank you for making me laugh, even after I make a mistake and for all of the memories we’ve created at practice and during games. Fred, I’ll miss looking down the third base line and seeing you give me all kinds of crazy signs that mean absolutely nothing. And Givens, don’t worry, I’ll never forget that grounder you missed at our very last practice when we played 4-on-4 on-4. I was so excited for this season and couldn’t wait to have you guys guide me one last year. You two will forever hold a special place in my heart. I love you guys!
To my current and past teammates: I wouldn’t be half the player or person I am without every single one of you. Coming on the varsity team my freshman year, I was terrified and the upperclassmen made me feel so welcome. Now, as a senior, I was so excited to do the same to the new freshmen and having one heck of a season because I know we we’re going to do some special things.
I’ve made some of my absolute best friends over the four years of high school softball. I have loved playing with every single one of you. For those of you that still have another season, do not take it for granted because you really never know when your last game is. Give it everything you have, every single play.
And to my four other seniors: what a ride we’ve had. We started playing softball together when we were only eight years old and you have been my girls forever. You guys make me laugh until I can’t breathe anymore and are some of the best players I’ve gotten the chance to play with. I wish we could’ve got this last season together more than anything, but I know the three of you who are going off to play at the next level are going to do great things. I love you guys so much and will miss you.
To my family: I can’t put into words how much you guys mean to me. From traveling all over the country and not missing a single game, you guys are my biggest supporters always. I couldn’t do it without you guys being in the stands cheering me on. You guys always believe in me and pick me up after a bad game or celebrate with me after a great win. Everything you all do for me doesn’t go unnoticed and I could never thank you enough for all of it. I love you more than you’ll ever know.
I also want to thank SOSA for all that you guys do for us high school athletes. Thank you for getting our name out there and taking the time to do these things like this and interviews for us. You all are very appreciated!
Josie Williams, Westfall senior