According to Winthrop Athletics, three Winthrop athletes have received the honor of being named Big South Athlete of the week in their respective fields from Feb. 11 and 12. The athletes include Winthrop men’s tennis Connor Williamson, Winthrop softball player Keleigh Romine, and Women’s Tennis Lauren Proctor.
Connor Williamson:
Junior exercise science major Connor Williamson is an exchange student from Auckland, New Zealand. He was inspired to play tennis by his high school tennis club and mother, which he feels that the honor of the title for his hard work.
“Where I live in New Zealand, there is a tennis club across the fence from my backyard. My mum played social tennis there, so I would go over with her and I immediately fell in love with it. I’ve been playing ever since I can remember,” Williamson said.
Williamson commented on how playing tennis at Winthrop University allowed him to do what he loves while attaining a college degree, noting the diverse culture of the Winthrop athletics.
“Winthrop has given me so many opportunities that I would have never experienced if I stayed in New Zealand. It’s given me the opportunity to compete at a high level in tennis while getting a degree. We have such a diverse culture in our team, and I have learned so much from my teammates and my coach,” Williamson said.
Williamson got the title of Big South Athlete for three consecutive victories in a match against Hampton and Wofford College, in both single and double victories.
“It was a very nice feeling when I found out that I got Big South Player of the Week. My team has been putting in a lot of hard work into tennis and fitness, so getting this honor has proven to me that my hard work has paid off,” Williamson said.
Keleigh Romine:
Junior computer science major Keleigh Romine, a pitcher for Winthrop’s softball team, was named Big South Player of the Week during the match in weekend at the Bash in the Boro against Georgia Southern with a batting average of .571.
“It is a great feeling to be named Big South Player of the Week because it felt like a lot of hard work had paid off. My team and I put in a lot of hard work during the fall, and it was nice to see how much better not only I have gotten, but we have improved as a team. It makes me very excited to see what the season brings,” Romine said.
Romine, from Concord North Carolina, initially did cheerleading with her twin sister for her high school’s football team, until they were inspired to participate in one of their recreational sports in their home and found their passion.
“One night after cheerleading, we went home and said that we didn’t want to cheer for a sport, we wanted to play one. We wanted to play on the field and be involved in all of the action. When we finished out our cheerleading season and our dad signed us up for recreational softball,” Romine said.
This marks Romine’s first time earning the title of Big South Player of the Week. She stated that her passion for softball lead her to meet new people and make lasting friendships.
“Playing softball at Winthrop has made my experience better than amazing. I have made some of the best friends I will ever have. I came in my freshman year with seven other freshmen on the team and there are still five of us on the team. We have been through a lot together and have grown such a strong bond,” Romine said.
Lauren Proctor:
During a harrowing match against Davidson and Charleston, women’s tennis player and senior exercise science major Lauren Proctor made history by being the third women’s tennis student athlete in conference history to earn Player of the Year honors three times. She stated how much of an honor it is to be recognized.
“Being Big South Player of the Week is always a great honor. With that being said, to receive that for myself, my team, and my university it is a really great feeling that always means a lot,” Proctor said.
Procter noted that during the match she relied on her teammates, such as Megan Kauffman, to accomplish ranking No. 20 in the nation during the whole week. She noted how bonding with her teammates has defined her experience at Winthrop.
“Playing tennis here at Winthrop has pretty much defined my Winthrop experience because everything I do here is centered on tennis. Besides going to class, I think everything else around me has stemmed from being on the tennis team,” Proctor said.
Proctor encouraged athletes at Winthrop University to strive and work hard in order achieve the title of Big South Player of the Week, which can help players stand out and have something to look back on during their athletic career.
“By reaching that level, you bring recognition to your university/organization, your teammates, your coaches, etc. That is what makes the status the most important and special, in my opinion,” Proctor said.
