Written by Emma Weber \/\/ Photo by Macy Cox<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Competing for the Lady Bisons Basketball team is an achievement in itself. However, for freshman Josie Williams, this achievement is made special by her young age and determination. When looking for a college, Williams said she knew she wanted an atmosphere that would inspire her to grow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen I was in the recruiting process, I was not just looking for the best fit on the basketball court, I was looking for a program with great coaches and players that provide a strong family aspect,\u201d Williams said. \u201cI was looking for coaches that invested in their players and teammates that became sisters, and Harding has provided all of these things.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Williams\u2019 highest scoring game against Texas Women\u2019s University, Williams made 26 points, 15 being three-pointers. Throughout the season, Williams has averaged 10.7 points and 31 minutes per game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Women\u2019s head coach Tim Kirby described the talent and grit Williams has as a freshman starter. He attributes this to Williams\u2019 knowledge of the game as well as the team atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJosie is a basketball player in every way,\u201d Kirby said. \u201cShe understands how to use her instincts. Being a point guard adds to the difficulty of adjusting to college basketball, and she has done a great job navigating that. Everything we do in season and off season requires being a great teammate. They are all very supportive of each other.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a team sport, Williams agreed that the atmosphere has contributed to her season successes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe relationships I have made through just my first season playing at Harding have definitely been a huge part of this year for me,\u201d Williams said. \u201cWe strive to build each other up each and every day. We are a good team, and this year we have learned to depend on each other on and off the court. It\u2019s very important to keep each other motivated to be the best version of our team on the court.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fellow freshman Katelyn Kabrich highlighted the importance of mental fortitude for freshman players. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSome challenges freshmen face would be having confidence that you can make a difference on the court when you are playing with girls who have played college basketball for two-plus years,\u201d Kabrich said. \u201cThe biggest part about being a freshman is having an open mind that is willing to accept criticism and learn from it. Knowing that at the end of the day we are playing for each other motivates us to push each other harder in a loving way. It\u2019s easier to run hard when you\u2019ve got girls by your side that want to get better and win as much as you do.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the challenges, Williams said she tries to find balance. Balance, in Williams\u2019 opinion, is essential to competing at the highest level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI want to be my very best on the basketball court but also in the classroom,\u201d Williams said. \u201cI\u2019ve spent the majority of this year trying to find the perfect balance of that. We spend a lot of time as a team on the court. I also put in extra time shooting and watching film on my own. I seek good communication with my coaches. I spend time before and after games to get ready to play and recover my body well afterwards.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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