By Derrick Smith
When a student is growing up, their lives are influenced by many different people. For some, it could be celebrities or professional athletes, while others may be impacted by someone they know a little better. Kyle Williams says that he has a special group of people that have helped him get to where he is today.
“My parents and my brother are my biggest role models,” he said. “My parents have raised me the right way and have been great role models while growing up. They set great examples in life situations. My brother has taught me to live life without worrying about what others think. All that matters is what you think is important, not what others think is important.”
Williams is a senior at Amber-Pocasset High School and plays basketball and baseball for the Panthers. He has enjoyed his career so far and says that there is one moment that stands out as his favorite.
“I would have to say that the highlight moment of my career so far would have to be winning our regional and advancing to the state tournament,” he said. “There is no better feeling in sports than the state tournament.”
Becoming the athlete that he is has taken its share of work. But Williams says that it is not quantity that is important, but the quality that makes a difference.
“It takes not only a lot of time and practice but quality practice,” he said. “Not taking practice seriously doesn’t make you a better player. So when you are at practice or working at home, make your time count. I am a competitive person so that is what really motivates me. I want to be the best in the state at what I do, and I want to win a ring.”
When he is not working on his schoolwork or sports, Kyle likes to check out his social media. He says that there is one person that is his favorite to follow.
“Major League Baseball player Kolten Wong is someone that I enjoy following,” he said. “He has always been my favorite baseball player because he is so selfless and ready to do anything for the team. He plays several positions and is a heads-up player.”