Big 12 Names Sami Williams Player Of The Week

AMES, Iowa – Shortstop Sami Williams was named the Big 12 Player of the Week, the conference office announced Tuesday. Williams led the Cyclones to a 4-1 weekend at the FAU Strikeout Cancer Tournament, including a 9-8 victory over No. 21 Missouri.

Iowa State, which made its first-ever appearance in the USA Today/NFCA D1 Coaches Poll at No. 25 this week, went 3-0 at the tournament vs. SEC opponents, book-ending the tournament with wins over Ole Miss.

The senior hit .438 in Boca Raton with two home runs, a double, three RBI and six runs scored to pace the Cyclone offense. She also drew three walks for a .526 on-base percentage.

In Iowa State's upset victory over No. 21 Missouri, Williams, the Big 12's all-time doubles leader, went 3-of-4 with a double and scored two runs. With the win over Missouri, the Cyclones improved to 8-0, which set a new record for the best start to a season in program history. Williams also had a home run and was intentionally walked twice to spark the Cyclones to a comeback win over Ole Miss after trailing 5-0 after 3.5 innings.

This is the third Big 12 Player of the Week honor of Williams' career. She last won the award on Feb. 25, 2020 after leading the Cyclones to an upset victory over No. 8 Michigan.

Williams and the Cyclones return to the diamond this weekend for the GCU Purple Classic in Phoenix, Arizona. No. 25 Iowa State will face Portland State on Friday at noon CT at GCU Softball Stadium.