Pitcher Danielle Williams ’22 of Northwestern had a fantastic senior year in 2022, winning 31 games, including six in the postseason, earning her first-team All-America and Big Ten Pitcher of the Year awards, as well as a trip to the Women’s College World Series (WCWS).
She’s back now for more.
Williams returned for a sixth year of eligibility, joining the other five key Northwestern softball players. Her battery partner, Jordyn Rudd ’22, first baseman Nikki Cuchran ’22, outfielder Skyler Shellmyer ’22, shortstop Maeve Nelson ’22, and outfielder Skyler Shellmyer ’22 are all with her. The goal for the Wildcats is to rejoin the WCWS.
“Group objectives? Winning the World Series is obviously the obvious choice, according to Shellmyer. “I also want to win the conference tournament, host a regional and super-regional, and win the Big Ten regular season once more—check all the boxes.”
Rudd and Williams, who are in the top 10 all-time at Northwestern in seven different career pitching statistics, are key components of that strategy. Rudd, the 2022 NCAA Defensive Player of the Year from Softball America, won the Rawlings Gold Glove Award.
From her perspective in the outfield, says Shellmyer, “I see Jordyn and Danielle as a direct line. I really feel the energy they have and the connection they have. And I love how they bring that connection and energy to the rest of the team.”
On and off the field, the returning players know they have a responsibility to shape the next generation of Wildcats. Shellmyer says that means modeling steadiness and calmness. Rudd and Williams emphasize focusing on the team goals rather than outside expectations, while remembering the importance of keeping the game fun.
“Our young players help us remember the real joy of the game,” says Rudd. “And we get to teach them how to do things the Northwestern way.”
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