Behind The Plate
The work you don’t see behind becoming a collegiate athlete.
By Devanée Williams
School has ended, with two hours of baseball practice following. Even after a long day, Zévion Williams drives 30-minutes to D-Bat to practice hitting more off a pitching machine.
No coach is telling him to practice more, and no friends are coming with him. Just a senior high school baseball player committed to becoming a better athlete to play at the next level.
Zévion Williams prepares for an at-bat. Photo by Devanée Williams.
For Williams, this routine is not casual; it is expected. The work he puts in doesn’t stop when the coach blows his final whistle at practice, and it doesn’t depend on who is watching. This type of hard work and dedication is built into his daily routine, a reflection of the high standard he holds for himself as he continues to achieve his goal of playing collegiate baseball.
“I want it more. I once heard a coach say that ‘Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard,’ and that really stuck with me,” Williams said.
Want to hear more of Zévion’s story?
Listen to the podcast episode that dives into the hard work Zévion puts in every day, and what he does outside of school and baseball.
Balancing commitments between school and personal life adds another level of difficulty to the process. Senior year of high school brings a lot of pressure, not just focusing on performing well, but also on actually getting noticed. Recruiting requires consistent communication with coaches, attending showcases, like those hosted by Perfect Game, and ensuring that grades are kept up, all while staying consistent on the field.
“Balancing all that while trying to stay perfect on the field, you’re going to fail, but it’s about your next step, whether you choose to give up or keep going,” Williams said.
While slumps happen and doubt often creeps in, many athletes would walk away. Still, Williams continues to show up after long days of school and practice, putting in the work with no guarantee of what is to come. Setting an example for his younger teammates, that hard work is worth it, no matter what the outcome.
Zévion Williams warms up in the bull pen. Photo by Devanée Williams.
“When he works harder, it pushes me to work harder too,” a teammate said.
Support from his family and teammates helps reinforce his commitment to that hard work. While the journey may seem individual, it is shaped by those around him who push him to keep going even when he doesn’t see the results he wants.
“He has always been a hard worker, whether it is going above and beyond in his school work or on the field. His drive is unwavering,” his Mom said.
Zévion Williams wins the MVP award at a Top Gun Tournament. Photo by Devanée Williams.
As his senior season with the Newton-Conover Red Devils continues, and with a few offers lined up, Williams is not just concerned about accepting those offers, but more so about becoming the type of athlete who deserves one.
Long before a college decision is made, Williams’ foundation is already in place, in empty cages, late nights, and in those quiet moments where no one is watching. For Williams, that is where the journey to becoming a collegiate athlete truly begins.
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