By Rhiannon Potkey, special to UTsports.com
Midweek games generally don’t draw many students to Sherri Parker Lee Stadium, yet alone one of the stars of the men’s basketball team.
But Grant Williams isn’t an average spectator. The 6-foot-7 sophomore forward has become a loyal Lady Vols softball fan, attending nearly every home game this season and gaining more appreciation for the sport.
He’s not doing it for the publicity or to get on camera. He doesn’t sneak out after only a few innings or scroll through his phone instead of paying attention.
Williams stays for the entire game, cheers heartily throughout and patiently waits to talk to the players in the aftermath.
“I am a huge fan, and I enjoy watching a great game of softball,” Williams said. “The team is really good. They are just as competitive as us, and I like going out there and seeing them dominate like we were doing on the court this year. I just really try to enjoy the time because it’s always a beautiful day at the field.”
Williams first took an interest in softball in high school, attending games at Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina.
He knew Tennessee had a powerhouse program, and couldn’t wait to become a regular at Lee Stadium. Having a car this year helped with his transportation to games, and he’s become close friends with many members of the softball team.
His relationship with third baseman Chelsea Seggern has grown over the last year through their involvement with the VOLeaders Academy.
“He is a big deal, and it’s really cool to see him come out to our games,” Seggern said of the reigning SEC Player of the Year. “I think all the teams (here at UT) need to support other teams more, even us going to other games. It will really create an environment where the athletic department is one as a whole.”
Each time Williams enters the stadium, whispers of “That’s Grant Williams” float through the crowd. But his presence is no longer a surprise to the regulars and season-ticket holders.
Williams sits in the player family section above the home dugout. After a big hit, strikeout or sterling defensive play, he exchanges high-fives with the moms and dads surrounding him.
“It’s really sweet because when you are playing yourself you don’t really get to do that stuff. You get to celebrate with your team, but not with other people in the stands,” Williams said. “It’s fun when exciting stuff happens to high-five and cheer with all of them.”
If the games are crowded, Williams can always count on Seggern’s mom, Renea, saving him a seat in her row.
“My mom has grown attached to him. She loves him and loves his personality,” Seggern said. “She is kind of teaching him the game, and he is kind of learning it. She wants to make sure he feels comfortable in the stands and has a great time.”
Since becoming more immersed in the Lady Vols this season, Williams’ respect for softball and the abilities of the players has grown.
“I am really attracted to the slapping part of softball, and I really like the fact the pitchers are so different. Matty (Moss) throws with more power and Caylan (Arnold) throws with a little more spin,” Williams said. “It’s good to educate yourself about many things, and me knowing more about softball may help me in other areas of my life.”
Although Tennessee co-head coach Karen Weekly can’t usually see who’s in the stands from her perch in the dugout, she’s not surprised to hear Williams is a regular at games.
“He is someone I got to know in the training room doing my shoulder therapy this past fall, and he is just a very personable and engaging gentlemen,” Weekly said. “You can tell the appreciation and enthusiasm he has for all the sports, not just basketball, and I think that means a lot to our team.”
The only challenging part of attending softball games for Williams has been the temptation to stray from his refined diet.
He’s been trying to give up his late-night buttered popcorn habit to improve his performance on the basketball court. But it’s hard to escape the enticing aroma of a freshly-popped box when he walks into the stadium.
“I try not to touch it. Coach Barnes had a box at the game the other day and started waving it at me, though,” Williams said. “But if I do eat it, I eat it in moderation and don’t eat the whole box.”
Williams is hoping he gets the chance to watch the Lady Vols begin a deep postseason run at Lee Stadium. He knows the environment can be electric and wants to experience the intensity of a win-or-go-home series.
Once the softball season does end for good, Seggern has invited Williams back to the field and issued a friendly challenge.
“She teases me about coming out and hitting,” Williams said. “I think I will be bad, but she doesn’t think I will be that bad. We’ll have to see.”
-UT Athletics
