Extra Inning Softball is going Rogue.
Well, it may seem like that after we’ve profiled two of the top 2026’s in the nation who both play for Coach Eli Ginnis’s Rogue 25/26 team out of Arizona:
- Catcher/outfielder Torynn Slaughter, who made the U-15 Women’s National Team and we spotlighted on Monday (May 1),
- Sydnee Williams, the outstanding lefty outfielder who was featured in this week’s From the Cheap Seats podcast that was aired/published on Wednesday (May 3).
Today, we feature Sydnee in her own Extra Star Power and it’s only fitting as both freshmen are teammates on their club and high school teams and are also best friends, too.
Thus spring, Sydnee has led her two-time state championship high school, Sandra Day O’Connor out of Phoenix, in almost every offensive category while being Top 5 in most Class 6 stat charts as well.
“Sydnee has come into O’Connor Softball and been a game changer for us,” says high school head coach Melisa Hobson.
“She is hard-working, humble and a joy to be around. Sydnee’s ability in the box to drop the bunt or hit it out keeps her unpredictable and she has tremendous speed in the outfield and on the base paths. Also, her game IQ gives her the advantage over her opponents.”
Rogue FC President Randy Kaye adds:
“Sydnee is a true lefty hitter and field who could hit 1-4 in any line up. She can bunt for a base hit and also has serious home run power. Sydnee has good speed and elite instincts. She is always looking for extra bases and, in the outfield, she catches everything in all directions with an accurate arm. Even though only a freshman, she is also one of the most competitive players I’ve ever coached.”
“Competitive” is a word that comes up a lot when Sydnee is the subject. It’s not hard to see where that came from: her older sister, Justyce McClain, just graduated from playing softball at McNeese State and the young athlete’s mentor is softball standout Erika Piancastelli who plays on the Italian National Team.
“I can honestly say that, in 25-plus years of coaching at the highest levels, that Sydnee Williams is the best lead-off hitter I can recall,” explains Rogue FC 25/26 Head Coach Eli Ginnis.
“The energy, passion, and overall leadership she brings to this group is unreplacable!” he continues. “This amazing group has a fantastic leader in Sydnee and she is well-liked by others and is super coachable. She is not afraid to have real conversations and ask the hard questions. Not surprisingly, I am receiving calls daily from almost every Power 5 school asking about her directly.”
*****
Name: SYDNEE WILLIAMS
Hometown/ST: Phoenix Arizona
Grad Year: 2026
Position(s): OF/1B
Club Team: Rogue FC 25/26 – Kaye
High School (City/ST): Sandra Day O’Connor High School
In your eyes, what are some of the top honors and accomplishments you’ve achieved individually and with your teams?
I would say they include the USA HPP Invite, being a 12U USA All-American, being a 12U Alliance National Champion and going to the OnDeck Rosetta Canyon Jamboree.
What’s been your most memorable softball experience?
I’d say either 12U All American Games or last year at PGF Nationals.
What would you say are your strengths on the field?
I believe I have a high softball IQ and that I’m a 5-tool player.
Have you set personal goals for yourself for this year?
Yes, I just want to continue having growth with myself as long as I’m in softball and continue on the grind.
Do you have any softball superstitions?
I always put my uniform on the same way and if I wear or do something different that day and it works, I will continue to do it and vice versa.
What would you say is your philosophy in life?
Always stay humble and kind.
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be on-field? Off the field?
On the field: Energetic. Off the field: Humble.
What worries you most about what classmates your age are facing in the future?
The pressure everyone is exposed to.
If you won a million dollars and had to spend it all in 24 hours, how would you spend it?
I would give some away to my family and then I would probably go on a shopping spree
What’s been your favorite vacation or place you’ve visited?
My favorite vacation is always going to Carlsbad Seapointe Resort (Calif.) every summer for a week since my grandparents have a timeshare there.
What’s been your favorite place you’ve placed softball?
My favorite place to play softball was at the USA Hall of Fame Softball Stadium.
What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in life?
I suffered severe nerve damage in my hand and wrist because of getting hit by a line drive at Boulder IDT in Colorado and then, my first tournament back being PGF Nationals, I end up getting a concussion!
If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one thing you’d want to have with you (sorry: can’t be a phone as they’re no cell towers nearby!)
A big knife.
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Dansby Swanson (shortstop for the Chicago Cubs).
Finally, what’s one thing or accomplishment about you that is unusual or unique which few know (until know)?
The only thing I do left-handed is softball, hitting and throwing.
Scroll down to read more about the outstanding freshman from Phoenix…
