When work ethic meets talent, players like Cash Williams of Choctaw High School stand head and shoulders above their peers. Choctaw head coach Shane Hawk said of Williams, “Cash has been a four-year starter and is committed to play baseball at the University of Tennessee. He has a 4.0 GPA and is also an All-State contender in football as well at the QB position. He has a chance to break a few school records in his time here and is a great servant leader for the team and school.”
For Williams, making the choice to commit to the University of Tennessee was an easy one.
“Once I stepped on campus at Tennessee for the first time it was a no brainer to me. The campus first of all is amazing. Second the coaching staff made it feel welcoming from the beginning. They have the same philosophies when it comes to the game and seem to really care about their athletes. The schooling there is also really good,” said Williams.
For now, his focus us on the upcoming season and his teammates.
“Playing at Choctaw there has been a lot of great players that I have played with in my four years here. Last year with Easton Teel who was dominant on the mound and had a mentality that he was going to go shove every outing to Drake Fittro who I learned the art of consistency from,” Williams said. “But the player that left the most impact on me was Jarrett Flaggert. He was someone I could look up to as a freshman on how to carry myself on the field and how to play the game.”
Staying physically and mentally prepared is always the challenge, but for Williams, it appears he has both under control.
“The strength in my game is the way I swing the bat. I am a tough out at the plate and I’ve improved on plate discipline which makes me dangerous,” said Williams. “To mentally prepare for games I do a lot of self-talking. Basically, just hyping myself up to myself. Also motivational videos are always helpful before games. Before games I like to be calm and peaceful that way when I get on the field, I can use all my energy and focus on the game.”
And what happens if his name is called during the MLB draft?
“Professional baseball has always been a dream of mine growing up. I’ve always told everyone that I would end up being a professional baseball one day. So, I’ve had thoughts about getting drafted since I was three years old. But we will see how this spring season goes and trust in God that I will make the best decision for me,” said Williams.
