On August 8 a downpour of rain brought the celebration of Manchester Academy’s “Meet the Mavs” inside to the gymnasium.
Although it was pouring outside, the rain did not dampen the spirits and enthusiasm of all the Maverick teams. For the conclusion of the evening’s events, a special dedication occurred that recognized a special time in MA’s softball history. The Lady Mav’s softball field was officially named Edgar-Williams Field.
The story of this dedication began sixteen years ago when Mrs. Angie Edgar, and a group of determined young women wanted to play fast-pitch softball. While today’s fast-pitch softball is common place, in August, 2001, it was a new sport to girls’ athletics.
In accepting her honor among all the Mavericks in the gymnasium, Mrs. Edgar gave her story on how she “accidentally” talked her way into coaching a group girls who did not realize that they would become part of the legacy of today’s girls' softball team. Without their desire to play this faster version from the slow-pitch version of softball, today’s team would not be as established and have the outstanding facility of which they are so proud.
In August 2001, the Lady Mavs called Wardell Leach Complex fields their home field. Parents saw the success of this team and decided that home field needed to be on campus at Manchester Academy. This team was not to be taken for granted. The love for this new sport sparked the ladies’ determination to win. Parents worked together and constructed a new facility complete with lights, grass outfield, and a well-drained infield. On August 17, 2002, the Lady Mavs played their first official home game against Leake Academy Lady Rebels on this new field.
Among those parents that took part in the early construction crews were Mark and Douglas Williams whose daughter Kristen was among those athletic young ladies. Kristen had a strong bat and an outstanding arm.
In fact, #22 was so competitive that she became an early leader on the team. “She brought to each practice and each game her all,” stated Mrs. Edgar in a 2003 Yazoo Herald article.
In 2003, Kristen Williams’ life tragically ended too soon. In her honor, Mark and Douglas Williams continued to support and follow the softball team. Kristen’s zeal for the game of softball could be felt, and the Williams’ knew that Kristen would want them to support her friends throughout the seasons. The two never stopped loving and supporting the Lady Mavs Softball program.
Due to their love and support and Mrs. Edgar’s willingness to take a group of young ladies and form a team, Manchester Academy celebrates their dedication. Therefore, from Tuesday, August 8, 2017 through the rest of MA’s softball years, Edgar-Williams Field will always symbolize ability, attitude, and drive for all the young women of Manchester Academy Lady Mavs Fast-Pitch Softball.
