ROBERTSDALE— Sarah Williams signed with Jeff Davis Community College May 11. The Robertsdale High slugger finished her senior year hitting .355 with 30 RBIs off 38 hits and an on-base percentage of .429.

RHS Golden Bears head coach Barry Roberts said Williams epitomizes the softball program and its rich history.

“Today is another great day for Robertsdale High School softball,” he said. “Today we celebrate the academic and athletic accomplishments of Sarah. Sarah has accepted a full scholarship to Jeff Davis to play softball next season (and they) are getting a great person. Sarah got where she is by hard work dedication commitment and leadership.” 

Warhawks head coach Misti Nims said Williams’ bat will be a great asset to her JDCC lineup.

“We’re extremely excited to get Sarah,” she said. “She comes from a great high school program that instills teamwork, dedication and hard work in the classroom as well as on the field. She has really developed a lot over this past year and I’m excited about utilizing her power to strengthen our offense in the future.”

Williams, who will be reunited with former Golden Bear teammate and 2015 RHS grad Paige Desmond, expressed her appreciation for all of the people who helped her achieve this goal.

“I am so grateful for the people I have in my life,” she said. “I couldn't imagine life without them always pushing me to do my best and being there to support me. I love each and every single one of you girls that I have had the privilege to play with. You made softball so much better.

 “I can't thank my best friend Paige enough. She has been with me through thick and thin and I can't wait to continue playing softball with you at Jefferson Davis. Also appreciate the support that I have seen over the years from teachers and supporters of the game I love.

 “I would especially like to thank my parents (Mary and Steve Williams) and all of my coaches for always making me strive to do great things. I would also like to thank coach Nims for giving me this opportunity to play at the next level.”

Williams plans to major in secondary education with a concentration in history. 

In the five years, Roberts has led the Golden Bears, 15 seniors have finished the program. Of those, 13 have been offered scholarships to play college softball. Ten chose softball and two chose basketball.

“But it has never been our objective to have everybody play college softball that plays here,” Roberts added. “But what we do want to do is instill all of our players with the attributes it takes to play at the next level. Those being good grades, work ethic, coachability, credibility and lastly ability. We work on those things in that order. Sarah is another in a long line of Lady Bears who has done this.”