Facilities & Directions

The Barbara Williams Softball Complex opened in February, 2012 on the Alabama State Campus, bringing the program home to compete on the campus for the first time.

The complex was named for a celebrated pioneer in ASU Athletics. Williams attended ASU from 1968 to 1972, when there were no sports programs for women.  After attending graduate school at Indiana University, Williams returned to ASU as the first coordinator of women’s athletics.

She took the helm of the women’s program, crafting and executing a strategic plan to create athletic opportunities at ASU to supplement the academic experience of women students. Williams also fought stereotypes against female athletes, immediately producing competitive teams.

In addition to her role as coordinator of women’s athletics, Williams also was the women’s head basketball coach and track coach in 1975. During her five seasons as head basketball coach, the Lady Hornets amassed an amazing 95-23 record. She has been recognized as a trailblazer of the modern women’s basketball program at ASU.

Williams also excelled as a track coach for 25 years, leading her teams to 68 wins and 15 second-place finishes.

The $1.6 million softball complex is slated to be dedicated in April, 2012.