Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Justin Hunter
William Key’s sports journey has been anything but conventional. As a child, he followed the familiar path of T-ball and coach pitch, but when he reached kid pitch, he walked away from the game. For several years, baseball was in the rearview mirror. Then, during his junior year of high school, something changed.
“I wanted to do something different after football season and keep myself in shape,” he says.
That decision brought him back to the baseball field, a place he had not been in a long time. He quickly found himself enjoying the game again, not just for the competition, but for the experience of preparing alongside his teammates.
At Oakman High School, William is a two-sport athlete, playing linebacker in football and outfield in baseball.
When asked what he loves most about each sport, he does not hesitate. “Football is all about the Friday night lights. Being out there with the band playing is a great feeling,” he says. “For baseball, the practices are fun, and getting ready for the games is exciting.”
Balancing two sports is already challenging, but William’s daily schedule is even more demanding. He spends the morning at Oakman High before heading to welding school at Bevill State Community College. After returning in the afternoon, he goes straight to practice. Managing it all takes discipline, but he has never backed down from a challenge.
Just before summer ended, William suffered a back injury that sidelined him from football. It was a frustrating setback, one that forced him to go through therapy and miss time on the field. But instead of letting it define him, he focused on recovery, determined to return stronger.
The experience reinforced one of his father’s greatest lessons: keep going, no matter what.
His father, Jason, has been the most influential person in his athletic career, always reminding him to push forward. That same encouragement is what William now gives to his teammates. He understands the importance of keeping spirits high through high fives, words of motivation, or simply bringing energy to the dugout and sideline.
For him, the best part of being on a team is the bond between players. He is not focused on statistics or championships as he approaches his final baseball season. His goal is to make as many memories as possible with his teammates before the season ends.
“The brotherhood is what makes our team special. We all get along,” he says.
After graduation, William does not plan to continue sports at the next level. Instead, he plans to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the boilermakers, a career that will allow him to travel and work in a trade he is passionate about.
Whether under the Friday night lights or in the outfield, William has embraced every challenge and made the most of every moment. He may not have taken the traditional path, but he has made the most of every step, proving that it is never too late to return to something you love. WL
