The Saint Louis University Billikens have seen their ups as well
as downs, on their way to a 13-27 record this season.

They have played good teams, but let games get away from them in
the end. Through it all, there has been one constant: AshLeigh
Williams.

The sophomore catcher/first baseman turned a tremendous effort
both in the batter’s box and in the field.

She leads the team with a batting average of .333, with 39 hits,
21 RBIs and an on-base percentage over the .400-mark.

Williams also has an outstanding .958 fielding percentage,
committing only 10 errors in 40 games.

Human nature often leads an athlete with such prowess to be
conceited, but Williams overcame that tendency and is quite the
opposite.

Despite leading the team in numerous categories as only a
sophomore, she stays humble and strives to improve herself and her
play on the field.

In spite of her various accomplishments, Williams tends to focus
on her goals for improvement.

“I want to improve on my clutch hitting. I could help the team
out a lot more if I deliver more RBIs in clutch situations,”
Williams said.

By improving her clutch hitting, the team will be better off,
and gives SLU the opportunity surprise some opponents when the
Conference USA tournament comes around.

Williams speaks highly of her teammates, and does not fault
other individuals with losses.

She feels the team could do more later in games to not make
mental errors, but does not single anyone out. Instead, it is a
team responsibility.

Williams loves the camaraderie that she experiences day in and
day out with the softball team, a major motivation for her to play
softball. She enjoys mentoring the new freshmen.

Williams joined the Billikens two years ago, from nearby Festus,
Mo., only an hour to the south. Williams excelled as a star for the
Tigers in both softball and basketball for four years.

Drawn to SLU, by a scholarship and the pre-med program, Williams
now graces the team with innumerable talents.

She said the fact softball is taken seriously, but not a life
and death matter, helped her feel comfortable playing softball at
SLU.

Williams changed her major to undecided, but will most likely
major in secondary education.

Williams’ presence on the 2004 Billiken softball team has been
significant.

She has been a rock in the field and at the plate. Williams has
lead her team and acted as a mentor, despite still being an
underclassmen.

Focused, competitive, humble, the ultimate team player, Williams
has been wonderful for the Billikens in all aspects the entire
season.