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Sunday, August 24, 1997

Olympian will put Texas softball in spotlight

By Bill Nichols

The Dallas Morning News

AUSTIN, Texas - Olympian Christa Williams went to UCLA intent on leading the acclaimed program to four national softball titles. She transferred to Texas after one season to help build a program.

"I thought coming back to Texas would make me happy," the Houston native said. "I want to put Texas on the map."

Williams' transfer, coupled with a $4.5 million stadium that will be ready this season, provided instant credibility to a program that begins practicing for its second season in Division I on Sept. 15. The season opener is Sept. 27.

UT, after playing at the club level in 1995 and finishing seventh in the Big 12 last season, suddenly has become a national player.

"They have all the ingredients it takes to become a top program," UCLA Coach Sue Enquist said. "Certainly they will be thrust into the limelight a lot quicker with a player like Christa."

Williams generally was considered the nation's top pitching prospect last year.

She went 89-6 with 1,243 strikeouts in her career at Dobie High School, then at 18 was the youngest member of the United States team that won the gold medal at the 1996 Summer Games.

She is a power pitcher who has been clocked at 70 mph, throws 68 mph consistently, and sprinkles in 58 mph changeups, Enquist said.

Perhaps even more important, at least for Texas at this stage, is her star appeal. Not only will Williams attract fans, but news of her transfer has piqued the curiosity of major recruits.

"I've had several letters and phone calls from the hotbed, which is California," UT Coach Connie Clark said. "A lot of the blue chippers seem to like the idea of Austin. That's a great start."

In only her third year, Clark has made big inroads. But Texas' rise might have been quicker if Williams had signed with Texas originally.

"I had a vision of within three years competing for a conference title," said Clark, previously an assistant at Florida State, where she helped guide her teams to four College World Series in her six years. "With the resources Texas has to offer, I felt that was realistic. I think this year we have a shot to compete for the conference title."

Williams seriously considered the infant program, but was too enticed by the prospect of winning national titles immediately at UCLA.

With virtually no time off after the Olympics, Williams went through the inconsistent struggles of adjusting to moving, college life, joining a new team, and pitching from 43 feet compared to 40 in high school.

But she was 21-8 with a 1.81 ERA as the Lady Bruins lost to Arizona in the final of the NCAA championship game.

"She took a little bit of time to make the adjustment to 43 feet," Enquist said. "But once she made the adjustment, she certainly lived up to her billing. She's a phenomenal talent. She's a fighter, and she's very driven."

Williams left for Texas primarily because she wanted to be closer to home.

"There were some frustrations," she said. "But it was just a typical freshman season. It was very up and down. My ambition was to win four national titles. But winning national championships doesn't mean you're happy."

Enquist said, "I think when she looked back at the whole picture, I don't think she enjoyed UCLA enough to come back."

Williams has spent the last few weeks rehabilitating an injured index finger on her right (pitching) hand.

The injury, caused by overuse, may be chronic, Williams said. But she said she feels better with the layoff, and is optimistic it will not present problems, even if it is chronic. She is using simple exercises as therapy.

"I don't know if it's temporary or permanent," she said. "It feels okay now, but when you get an injury it scares you because you don't know what it's going to do."

Williams plans to go for another gold medal in the 2000 Olympics. She also hopes to win some other trophies in the meantime.

"I want to come in and win the Big 12 and then go to regionals," she said. "That's a big step. It's exciting being a part of a new program because I think we're getting close. Now is the time."

(c) 1997, The Dallas Morning News.

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