Yesterday was a day Alexandria (“Alex”)  Williams will forever remember.

Wednesday afternoon, Alex—ranked No. 3 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100 and No. 2 at the Infield position—pulled the trigger and committed to South Carolina and new Head Coach Ashley Chastain.

The outstanding athlete was highly recruited because of her skills at hitting for a high average and with power while being a smooth-fielding shortstop.

Here’s the bio for Alex she posted on her X (Twitter) page when she was ranked last month:

Thanks @LineDsoftball for the recognition. Still alot to prove. Working harder than most to prove it. #TimeWillTell @LadyDukesLamar pic.twitter.com/tvSC52G989

— Alexandria Williams (@Alex_A1_00) September 23, 2024

The Peach State native took her official visit to South Carolina last weekend and cancelled future visits to another SEC school and a Big Ten program. Alex had also visited Liberty prior to checking out the Gamecocks.

She is a second-generation athlete as her father, Kareem Williams, ran track (400 meters) at the University of Georgia from 1998 to 2001 and you can be sure the proud dad is excited to see his daughter compete on the softball field in Columbia, S.C. (about three hours due East on the I-20 freeway from the family’s hometown in the Atlanta area).

“Alex being committed to South Carolina and playing in the SEC is a dream come true for me and our family,” Kareem told Line Drive Softball earlier this morning.

“Being that I competed in the SEC for the University of Georgia all those years ago and yelled ‘SEC!’ at the top of my lungs, it feels great to have my baby girl next to me yelling it now as well!

“We are so proud of her hard work and determination to make it to this milestone in her life,’ the elder Williams adds. “Go Gamecocks and SEC!”

The current junior recently joined James Lamar’s strong Lady Dukes 18U team and the club coach is very high on her already.

“Alex is super hungry for success both on and off the field,” Coach Lamar says. “We absolutely love her, not only as a softball player but as a person.”

“I couldn’t be happier for Alex and her family and South Carolina is getting a kid who is both hungry and humble. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her!”

*****

Here are some insights from the athlete herself on what she will bring to the Gamecocks’ program…

Name: Alexandria (Alex) Williams
Hometown/ST: Ellenwood GA
Grad Year: 2026
Position(s): MIF/OF
Club Team: Lady Dukes 18U – Lamar
High School (City/ST): Stockbridge (GA) High School
College: University of South Carolina
Preferred College Major: Biology

In your eyes, what are some of the top honors and accomplishments you’ve achieved individually and with your teams?
One of my top achievements individually is overcoming mental challenges over the years. One accomplishment would be coming in 3^rd place at PGF this past year.

What’s been your most memorable softball experience?
My most memorable softball experience would be hitting a walk off home run at PGF Nationals.

Here’s a clip of that big blast:

#TBT. One of the most memorable at bats from PGF and the season. Bottom of the 9th. 2 out walk off. With a packed crowd watching. Long hard battle by my teammates. Felt good to come through for them. @ImpactHolcombe pic.twitter.com/ZKHEJXFEc4

— Alexandria Williams (@Alex_A1_00) August 23, 2024

What would you say are your strengths on the field?
My strengths at the plate are being able to bunt and hit for power. Defensively, I’m really rangy and can play both infield and outfield.

Have you set personal goals for yourself for this year?
One goal is to stay consistent at the plate and to be disciplined.

Do you have any softball superstitions?
One thing I do before every game is pray.

What would you say is your philosophy in life?
“Hard work pays off.” I believe that as long as I put the work in God will lead me the rest of the way.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
One word I’d use to describe myself would be “calm.”

What’s been your favorite place you’ve placed softball?
My favorite place to play so far has been Colorado. The more home runs there are, the more exciting the game is!

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball