We’re four games into the new season for Florida State Women’s Basketball. So far, fans have had a chance to get a glimpse of what this team will look like as the year progresses. Throughout the first week, the Seminoles have shown positive flashes that everyone should be excited about.
One of the positive highlights so far is the production of transfer guard Solé Williams. As I’ve mentioned before, Florida State is a program where transfers thrive. As they look for a chance of scenery, they find a new home where they can be at their best and produce at the highest level. Head coach Brooke Wyckoff has allowed Williams to be at her best through her first four games as a Seminole. She has not disappointed so far as she has emerged as the engine of this team.
The Women’s Basketball program has gone under different circumstances compared to last season. With both Ta’Niya Latson and O’Mariah Gordon no longer on the roster, that leaves an opportunity for a new lead guard to take charge. This is a role that Williams was destined to play at Florida State. With her scoring and decision-making, she’s done a great job of leading the charge offensively.
Williams has become the engine of the Seminoles that makes this team run effectively. What has stood out at the start of this season is her ability to set the tone. During her first two games coming off the bench, Florida State had trouble trying to create a feel for the game and initiate ball movement. However, when Williams checked into the game, she became a difference maker as the Seminoles finally found their rhythm.
Offensively, Williams has a great balance of feeding herself and her teammates. She’s an excellent shot creator as she can step into a perimeter shot with confidence. Williams has also shown to be a great attacker as well. As she scores inside, she has great elevation and body control as she finds ways to create high percentage shots.
As Williams has shown to be an exceptional scorer, it means that opposing teams’ defenses will put more attention on her. They understand how she can be the focal point of the offense for Florida State and how she leads them to success. Therefore, the attention Williams draws opens up opportunities for others.
Wednesday’s matchup against Nicholls State was an example of Williams being a terrific playmaker. The goal as a lead guard is to find ways to bring the best out of others. Williams has the task of connecting with her teammates and putting them in the best position for success.
Williams led the charge against Nicholls State as the Seminoles overcame an early double-digit deficit to dominate with an 89-64 victory. Although she recorded four assists, the stat sheet doesn’t tell the full story. William’s energy ignited the rest of her teammates, which led the team to display a great performance. Players like Pania Davis, Jasmine Shavers, and others shone in Florida State’s big win, which is thanks in part to Solé Williams leading the charge.
Through four games, Williams is averaging 17.5 points along with four rebounds and 3.8 assists. She’s been a standout in the ACC as she ranks top five in scoring and has led the Seminoles to win three of their first four games. Williams has shown constant growth and progression during the early season. She went from being a sixth woman off the bench to a starting guard through one week. As the season progresses, Williams will only elevate her play for Florida State. Not only will it be beneficial for the program, but it will also be great for Williams as she places herself as one of the shining stars in the conference.
Despite the Seminoles’ 3-1 start to the season, there are still questions regarding their near future. Can Florida State make the NCAA Tournament? Can they still become one of the top programs of the ACC? There’s a tradition of winning that comes with wearing Garnet and Gold, which is important to the women’s basketball team to continue their success over recent years. Williams will have a lot on her shoulders as the lead guard throughout this season. However, it’s a role she embraces as she’ll continue to lead the charge for the Seminoles.