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Senior Student Athlete Profile: Natalie Williams (Pelican Rapids)

By Craig Olson, 05/08/20, 4:30PM CDT

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Pelican Rapids senior Natalie Williams spent her falls on the soccer field and her springs on the softball field for the Vikings.  She has several memories from her years as a student-athlete, including being a part of the first ever girls varsity soccer program at Pelican Rapids, her Junior High Coach and bus driver making chicken on the bus during a game last year, and perhaps her favorite of all, “hitting my first home run and watching it fly over all the parents that were sitting behind the outfield and into a river that was behind the field!”

“Our softball program does not get competitive without girls like Natalie Williams,” commented Head Coach Dan Beck.  She understands the game, is vocal about supporting her teammates, and brings it to the field every day.  Our team is better when she has been on the field, there is no question. As a junior: .387 AVG 24 Hits 6 Doubles 1 HR 18 Runs scored.”

Natalie plans to attend Minnesota State University-Moorhead to become an Elementary Teacher.  Her favorite high school subjects were Science and Matt classes.

Pelican Rapids Girls’ Soccer Coach Lauren Siebels said, “As a first year coach, Natalie was the perfect senior to have on the roster! She was dedicated to improving all season long and to our team as a whole. She led us on and off the field. Off the field, she was my go to player that helped our team unite. On the field, she was so versatile and was willing to play any position we put her at. She was strong on both offense and defense and played her heart out every game. PRHS soccer was lucky to have Natalie as a leader for the first year of Varsity!”

“Some of my best friends are from other towns and in other grades that I probably would’ve never talked to if I wasn’t in a sport,” shared Williams.  “Being in sports helped me have a good work ethic for not only myself, but also with others.  It also helped me have a positive mindset for anything I do.”

Not being able to play her senior softball season has been tough.  “I’ve watched our softball program grow these past few years and I was really looking forward to getting one final year to keep that going.  I think it would’ve been one of the best seasons our team has had.  It’s really sad that I won’t be able to play games with my teammates any more, but I’m excited to watch them next year as they hopefully take a title.  I’ve also been enjoying the weather and going on walks to the field often.  It’s nice to be there and replay all the memories I’ve made.”

Her advice to underclassmen is straight to the point, “play every game like it’s your last!”