Mia Williams, daughter of former NBA guard Jason Williams, is set to compete in the Women’s College World Series for the second consecutive season. This year, she represents Texas Tech, aiming to win a national championship.
Impactful Transfer for Texas Tech
Williams, a junior second baseman, transferred from Florida and has quickly become a key player for the Red Raiders. She is third on the team in batting average and leads Texas Tech in home runs and doubles. In six NCAA Softball Tournament games this season, Williams has seven hits, including two doubles and two home runs, and has driven in nine runs. Her parents both played collegiately at Florida; her mother in track and field.
Return to Florida and Super Regional Drama
The super regional against No. 6 Florida saw Williams returning to her former programme. She was hit by five pitches during the series. Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco praised her performance after Game 3 of the Gainesville Super Regional.
The series between Florida and Texas Tech was marked by high emotions, with neither team shaking hands after the Red Raiders secured their spot in the WCWS.
Jason Williams’ Altercation
Jason Williams was present at the Gainesville Super Regional. He was initially escorted out of the stadium by campus police after an altercation with a Gators fan. The fan allegedly struck Mia Williams with a handheld fan while the family celebrated a hit. The fan was ultimately ejected from the stadium instead.
Following the Red Raiders’ Game 3 win, Jason Williams told The Gainesville Sun that Florida coach Tim Walton’s ejection from the game for arguing balls and strikes in the bottom was “premeditated”, since he didn’t have to shake hands after the game with his daughter.
Williams’ Athletic Background
Jason Williams, nicknamed “White Chocolate”, was the No. 7 overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings. He transferred to Florida ahead of the 1996-97 season, but did not begin playing for Billy Donovan until the 1997-98 season due to the then-NCAA transfer portal sit-out-a-year rule. In his lone season with the Gators, he averaged 17.7 points, 6.7 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game.
The 11th-seeded Red Raiders begin WCWS play in Bracket 2 against Mississippi State on Thursday, May 28 at Devon Park in Oklahoma City.