Little Three Champions: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010

NESCAC West Champions:  2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010

NESCAC Champions:  2004, 2005, 2006

NCAA Tournament:  2004, 2005, 2006

NCAA Division III World Series (Final Eight):  2005, 2006

About the Program

The 2007 season marked the 21st anniversary of varsity softball at Williams.  Since its inception the program has had great success, with 20 winning seasons under the direction of five coaches.

Varsity Team History

Joey Lye '09

The Ephs were the first NESCAC team to earn a spot in the NCAA Division III College World Series in consecutive years, advancing in 2005 and returning to represent New England in 2006.  Williams has won the western division of the NESCAC each year since divisional play began in 2001. The team plays one of the strongest schedules of any program in Division III, beginning with a trip to Southern California over our spring break. Upon our return to the Northeast we play the top Division III teams in the region.

After winning the 2007 NESCAC West with a 10-2 divisional record, the Ephs were unable to defend their conference title and make it four NCAA appearances in a row. Beset by critical injuries and illness, the team battled to a 20-win record but fell short on championship weekend.

Maggie Ryan '08

Highlighting the post-season honors were Katelyn Knox (’07 OF/C) and Joey Lye (‘09/SS) being named to the conference first team as well as first-team All- New England by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Catcher Katie Powers (’08) was named to the conference second team. Knox graduated in June with academic honors and the Williams career and season home records.

The 2008 Ephs finished 19-20 and lost in the first round of the NESCAC Tournament. Junior SS Joey Lye had a season to remember batting .504 and setting Eph single season records for Hits (64) and total bases (87) en route to earning First Team All-NESCAC, NEISCA and Second Team All-America honors. Lye is the third Eph to earn All-American honors.

Senior catcher Katie Powers hit .333 with six HRs and drove in 30 runs and junior 2B/P Morgan Simpson hit .313 and fashioned a 7-6 record as both were named Second Team All-NESCAC. Simpson pitched 87 1/3 innings and compiled a 2.40 ERA.

Facilities

The Ephs play at the brand new Cole Field softball complex. In the summer of ’06 the entire outfield fence and warning track were installed along with new sod and a sprinkler and drainage system under the outfield as well as the new infield. Two new batting cages, four bullpen areas and larger bleachers were included in the project as well. The field now can be counted among the best in any division in New England.
 

Who Plays?

Candidates for the softball team begin weight training and informal workouts in the early fall. Workouts are organized by team leaders and supervised by strength coaches. Although some players will be studying abroad and others playing fall or winter sports, those that are on campus and available workout together through the fall and winter study terms.

In season, players make softball their highest priority along with academics, but there is time throughout the year to participate in other activities. Practices and games are scheduled to avoid conflicts with academic commitments. Eph softballers have performed in music and dance groups, served as Junior Advisors and House Coordinators, participated in theater, student government, been teaching assistants, studied abroad, played club and varsity sports and received some of the highest honors given by the College.

Alana Frost '06