Florida softball has plenty of big names in its dugout, from the Murderers' Row heart of its lineup (Skylar Wallace, Korbe Otis, Reagan Walsh, Jocelyn Erickson) to the lively arms which litter the Gators starting rotation.
Yet even on a roster of stars, Gators freshman Mia Williams stands out.
Not only is she an incredibly talented player, she's also related to a pair of Florida icons in Jason "White Chocolate" Williams and Denika Williams, both of whom shined for their alma mater in Gainesville.
Williams is more than just a famous name, however. She has drawn comparisons to a young Alex Rodriguez with her approach at the plate, in the field and on the basepaths.
She figures to be a pivotal part of the Gators over the next several seasons. And who knows? With her skill set, she could wind up leaving a bigger impact on Florida athletics than any other Williams. And given her family's standing around Gainesville, that would prove all the more impressive.
Here's what you need to know about Florida's five-tool talent and the Williams family's deep ties to the Gators.
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Is Mia Williams related to Jason Williams?
Williams is the daughter of former NBA point guard Jason Williams. You might know him better by his nickname, "White Chocolate."
Jason Williams, 48, brought a mystifying blend of speed and deception to the floor. A noted ankle-biter, Williams' hit list reads off like a Hall of Fame ballot, including Gary Payton, Tony Parker and Mike Bibby. That's not to mention his sumptuous passing, a skill set adorned by no-looks, behind-the-back feeds and feints galore.
Prior to embarking on his 12-year NBA career, he starred at Florida. So did his wife, Denika, who nabbed two All-America appearances and a spot at Olympic qualifiers as a javelin thrower during her time in Gainesville.
All of that is to say, the Williams name carries a legacy within the Gators' athletic department.
Mia Williams could very well be the most decorated athlete among her family members once the dust settles on her athletic exploits at Florida.
She climbed the charts as a recruit, earning distinction as one of the top prospects in softball after tearing things up with Windmere Prep and Georgia Impact-Lewis 18U team.
During her last full season of high school softball, which came in her sophomore year, Williams recorded eight home runs, 27 RBI and a .558 average in 27 games. She added 18 stolen bases and a perfect fielding percentage.
“She’s the female version of Alex Rodriguez," Williams' old coach, Lincoln Martin, told Saturday Down South's Connor O'Gara two years ago.
Williams' potential has always been evident to those in the know. She committed to Florida coach Tim Walton's program as a 12-year old, after all. Nevertheless, she has continued to cultivate her skills across all parts of the yard, even after shattering her fibula, tibia and ankle in 2021. Walton's side, which captured yet another SEC crown earlier this month, is certainly benefitting from her decision.
“A lot of people will say that my genes are crazy, and I’m like, ‘Yeah, yeah. But I also worked really hard to get where I am today,’” Williams said. “It’s not just them.”
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Mia Williams stats
| Stat | Williams |
| H | 16 |
| 2B | 2 |
| 3B | 0 |
| HR | 5 |
| SB | 9 |
| AVG | .170 |
| OBP | .310 |
| SLG | .351 |
| OPS | .661 |
