Lots of athletes make their teams better.

Only a select few turn programs around.

Higley senior Kyndal Williams is undeniably part of that select company.

As the Knights prepare to host Horizon Saturday in a first round 5A state softball playoff contest, it's worth a look back to understand the impact Williams has made over four years at Higley.

"Kyndal is the kind of person that causes everyone around her to improve," says Higley coach Rodney Wesley.

"It's not just about her pitching and athletic skills, it's about the kind of person she is. She makes everyone around her better and she's been the major piece in turning this program around."  

The numbers themselves tell quite a story.

Game Changer

In the four seasons prior to Williams arrival--including a limited five game season in 2020--Higley's record was 23-58.

In the last four seasons with Williams, the Knights are 65-31.

2024 marks the third straight year the Knights qualified for the postseason, earning the No. 8 seed and first round home field advantage. But Williams' impact at Higley was immediate as a freshman, when she won 11 games, threw a no-hitter and struck out 115 batters. She also gave the offense a lift, batting .358 while driving in 18 runs along with two home runs.

Higley missed the playoffs, but the 11-7 mark was the first winning season in a decade. 

Wesley saw the momentum and perception of the program transform.

"Kyndal made an impact on her older teammates and future teammates," Wesley explained of 2021 season. "She inspired our current players and she got alot of younger kids excited about coming to Higley. There's a lot of great schools in Gilbert and the surrounding areas. Kids coming up have choices, and Kyndal played a huge role in putting Higley softball on the map."

Softball Central

Wesley wasn't kidding about the talent in Gilbert and nearby. In addition to Higley securing the eighth seed, neighboring Gilbert rivals Campo Verde (No. 6) and Williams Field (No. 7) also earned first round playoff games at home. Campo Verde was a 5A semifinalist last season, while 6A Gilbert schools Basha and Perry reached the championship game.

"We'd really like to be a part of that equation," Wesley says. I saw that potential after Kyndal's freshman year."

In the three years since, Williams has continued to produce offensively while pitching at an elite level, winning 33 games with an ERA under 2 and a career strikeout total closing in on 700. This week she was named San Tan Region defensive player of the year. Let's not forget her career batting average is near .400.

But as coach Wesley constantly mentions, Williams' individual impact goes beyond guady statistics."She elevated the program," insists Wesley, now in his eighth season as Higley's coach.

Division I Bound

With the dominance from the pitching circle came the inevitable attention of major colleges. Last August Willliams committed Sacramento St. over Fresno St., University of Texas El Paso, and California Santa Barbara among others.

"I knew all along I wanted to be somewhere in California," said Williams, who was also grateful to get the recruiting process finished before her senior season.

"It was a pretty fun process, but I wanted to be able to focus on my senior season."

Final Chapter
A state championship run would be the ideal ending to Williams' impact at Higley.

It won't be easy. 

The last two seasons saw the Knights win postseason play-in games before losing their next game on the road. Last year's season ending contest was a memorable pitching dual, albeit a painful ending for Williams and the Knights. Higley took its school record 23 wins to nearby Campo Verde, where Williams held the Coyotes to only two hits, but fellow ace Addison Gavigan pitched a no-hitter for Campo Verde, which resulted in a 1-0 victory.

"That was a tough loss but we had a great season," Williams said. "Now we have another great opportunity and we'll be at home, so hopefully we can make a deep playoff run. I just really love being there for my teammates. It's really an honor to make an impact."

 

Ben Stapley is a staff writer for AZPreps365.com. For story ideas, contact him at bstapley@azpreps365.com or 480 295-9125