Leadership has been the driving force behind Mason Williams’ approach to his senior season at Webb City High School. “My personal goals this season are to lead the team another district chip as well as to have a good senior season being a unanimous first team all-state selection,” Williams said.

That mindset has carried into the offseason, where he believes the foundation is already strong. “I feel that the team morale during this offseason has been good and I feel that this group of seniors has a good brotherhood since we’ve been playing together since we were little,” he said.

From a performance standpoint, Williams has seen progress but knows there is still work to be done. “I feel that one of our greatest improvements would be our hitting,” he said. “I feel that we have come a long way from where we started but we still have a way to go.”

The ultimate destination is clear. “The goal for our team is to win state,” Williams said. “We all also hope to have a winning season and play together.” He added, “I’m working to achieve this by leading this team as well as putting my best effort at practice, as well as putting in the extra effort outside of practice.”

Asked what separates this team, Williams pointed to chemistry and structure. “I believe that our biggest strength is our bond that the guys have,” he said. “I also think that one of our biggest strengths would be our discipline.”

As a veteran presence, Williams understands his role. “I am a leader, and I have the most experience at the varsity level which gives me the opportunity to help those who have not played at this level yet,” he said.

At the plate, his awareness guides his approach. “While I am hitting, I check where the defense may be shifted and if there are runners in scoring position,” Williams said. “Depending on the situation I may try to put the ball on the ground backside to get a runner in.”

Preparation is both physical and mental. “Some ways that I prepare myself for games that I need to produce hits or make plays is the weight room, practice and my mindset,” he said. “The mindset that I have when I step on the field is that I will do whatever it takes to win as well doing what it takes to be successful as a team.”

Looking ahead, Williams hopes his impact lasts. “The legacy I want to leave is for the little kids to look up to me not just for being a good player but for being a good person and teammate,” he said.

One moment stands out. “My favorite memory in a Webb City uniform would be when I hit a home run first game back from injury last season,” Williams said.

“I play baseball and football. I am involved in Student Council, Pals, Hi-Step, and the Special Olympics. After high school, I plan to continue my athletic and academic prowess at Missouri Southern State University. I plan to become a nurse anesthetist.”