One player who made the Next 25 for the Hot 100 is Karter Williams who had major schools after her before she committed this summer. But something happened during Nationals that has set her back, but you’d never know it from her great attitude.

We can all benefit from her positive outlook… read the e-mail she sent over the weekend to learn more!

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Hi it’s me, Karter Williams!

I wanted to give you a quick update about my new team and my commitment to UC Riverside.  The last time I wrote to you was back in July after my team won the 16U PGF Nationals while with So Cal Athletics 16U Myers/McNee.

I mentioned that I wasn’t able to play because I twisted my knee a few days before the championship game.  I was so bummed, but had such a great time cheering for my team.  I always knew that I loved competing but not being out there made me really know how much I REALLY love the game.

Since July, I had been nursing my knee and doing everything I can to get back on the dirt.  I had an MRI about a week after it happened and it showed nothing.  I felt it was getting better, I was icing and doing everything right.  I had no pain but a little swelling that my mom felt should have gone away after about 4 weeks or so.

Well, you don’t know my mom but she wanted a second MRI and she was right.  I have a torn ACL!

It’s strange because the doctors keep asking me how my pain is on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being extreme pain— and I keep telling them a “1.”  They said they are amazed and just don’t understand how I am walking and running around!

Anyway, my surgery is scheduled for this Wednesday, October 1st.   They say, I will be out 6-8 months but, honestly, I think it will be less as long as I do my physical therapy.  I know if everything goes as planned, I will be back just in time enough for Zoom into June or before.

I also wanted you to know that I am now with OC United 18G and Coach Rick Viles and the team is AWESOME!  All of the girls on the team are committed and really great players and nice girls.

I can’t wait to get back.

Coach Linda Garza, Coach Jose Ortega and Coach Jodie Cox of UC Riverside have been so great to me.  I was a little concerned that they would not want me after my injury, but Coach Garza saw me when I went down and told Coach Myers of So Cal Athletics that they did not care, they still wanted me.

I thought that was so cool and they are just real and honest.  I have really good grades and now I just need to work hard so I can get back on the dirt.  I still can’t believe I am going to be a Highlander majoring in business and playing softball.  2016 can’t arrive fast enough!

I think I am able to stay upbeat because I really love this game.  I started playing softball when I was seven and soccer when I was 5.  I have gotten many scholarship offers to play soccer and softball in college.

When I had to choose, the decision was easy because I liked soccer but loved softball.  My parents taught me that playing sports is a privilege and a gift.  There are a lot of kids out there who can’t play for many different reasons.

I really didn’t understand that until I got injured and could not play.  This injury is teaching me that having a positive attitude is just as important as having the talent to play.

I think I understand now when my parents say not to take things for granted.  This injury has helped me understand how kids feel that want to play but can’t.

Maybe I got hurt so I can understand how they feel having to cheer from the stands or watch and wish they could play.  My injury can be fixed and I can get back out there.

So, I think I am able to stay upbeat because I can be fixed and I will have the opportunity to play again (I hope).  Cheering my teammates on is my new role for the next few months for the game I love.

When I return, I will not just play for myself and my team, I will play for all the kids who can’t play.

Thank you for telling my story… when it’s done I will print it and put it in my bag for good luck on Wednesday when I go into surgery!

Thank you and GOOOOO HIGHLANDERS!

Sincerely,

Karter Williams

2016 shortstop