At an age when most girls are developing their first crush and looking forward to life in junior high school, Lilli Williams was simply trying to hang onto life.
The Weatherford College sophomore softball player from Granbury was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in September of 2018. She was 13 years old.
Ewings is a rare form of bone cancer. She had an even rarer type that formed in her soft tissue.
“Just before my 13th birthday, which was in July, I found a lump on my side close to my ribs, and I saw many doctors to figure out what it was,” she recalled. “None of the doctors really knew what it was, so after seeing a surgeon, we decided to remove the mass.”
When the tumor was run through a biopsy, doctors discovered it was cancer. After being diagnosed she had surgery to put in a port, a device used in place of an IV, and started chemotherapy treatment almost immediately. Throughout a nine-month span, she received 20 rounds of chemotherapy.
“I was in and out of the hospital for constant checkups, scans, and treatment. The chemo I received was extensive, and I ended up having to get blood transfusions because of it,” Lilli said. “Halfway through my treatment, me and my parents had to decide my next step of treatment, which was either proton therapy (radiation) or surgery.”
They went the surgery route, which included the removal of her last right rib and a lot of surrounding muscle.
“I finished my chemotherapy treatment in April of 2019. The battle was long, but I’m grateful for the people that surrounded me during my harsh treatment,” she said. “I am officially in remission and cancer-free as of April of this year!”
“My parents told me about the diagnosis, and we were all in shock. I was a completely healthy and active 13-year-old that played sports, the last thing on our minds was cancer,” she said. “At that point in my life I didn’t know that kids got cancer, I thought it was an ‘old person’ disease.”
No one else in her family had ever faced cancer, which made her diagnosis feel all the more unusual, Lilli said.
“Ewing’s sarcoma is rare, and with its cause still unknown, it was hard to grasp,” she said. “Fewer than 1,000 people are diagnosed with it each year, making it even more surreal to process.”
Of course, she was sidelined from playing softball. With chemotherapy weakening her immune system, she was essentially quarantined at home.
“I tried to stay as active as my body could handle, but the treatment really took a toll on my energy and strength,” she said.
Occasionally, she’d watch her teammates play, but all she could do was watch from the sidelines.
“My coaches were kind enough to let me play one inning in a game I attended, and I was beyond grateful just to set foot on the field again,” she said. “Not being able to play was tough, especially since I’d always been active in every sport that came my way since I was a kid.”
Going from that to almost no activity, aside from walking, was one of the hardest parts of her journey. Today, she’s proud to say she’s back to nearly 100% physically and emotionally.
“While the chemotherapy left its mark on my body, I feel like I’m doing pretty well and I’ve gained a lot of strength since my treatment,” she said.
Like many young athletes, Lilli dreamed of playing in college. Most, however, do not have the additional challenges she has faced and conquered.
“During treatment, I never imagined I’d be playing college softball, yet here I am, at a great school, playing for an amazing program,” she said.
Coyotes coach Haylee Williams saw more in Williams than her talent - which, of course, there is plenty. She believes she has much more than a solid infielder (mostly third base), she has a walking inspiration for the rest of the team - including Williams herself.
“Lilli is such a hard worker and so diligent in her process throughout each day,” the coach said. “You would never know the struggle she has been through and always has a positive, upbeat attitude.
“She is a great teammate and a pleasure to coach.”
At Granbury, Lilli played on the varsity all four of her high school seasons. She helped the Lady Pirates reach the playoffs twice, earning first-team all-district and academic all-district honors all four years. Her senior year, she was named academic all-state.
She played her freshman season at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain community college. She helped the Lady Bucks to a second-place conference finish. They also became the first UARM softball team to earn a national ranking, reaching No. 13.
“That’s a milestone I’m proud to have contributed to,” said Lilli, who was also first-team NJCAA academic all-American at the school. “Now at Weatherford, I’m excited to be part of a team with amazing talent and chemistry.”
Lilli said battling cancer profoundly changed her perspective on life.
“At 13, I never imagined I could be affected by such a serious disease. I had lived a sheltered childhood,” she said. “Being diagnosed opened my eyes to the harsh realities of the world and made me realize just how fragile life can be.
“It taught me that if I’m going to do something, I might as well give it my all, because I never know when I might have the opportunity to do it again.”
Lilli said this newfound appreciation drives her to embrace every moment and experience it to the fullest, reminding her to cherish not only the big milestones but also the small joys along the way.
Career goals
Lilli plans to graduate from WC with an associate of science degree, and intends to transfer to another school to pursue a degree in animal science on the pre-vet track. Her ultimate goal is to attend veterinary school and become a small animal veterinarian.
“I chose WC because it’s close to home, allowing me to spend time with my family, and it offers amazing resources to support my education,” she said. “I truly love the vibrant energy of the campus and the supportive community surrounding it. I believe that my time at WC will provide a strong foundation for my future as I transition to a four-year school.”
And she wants to continue playing at a higher level.
“I am currently in the process of getting recruited at a four-year school,” she said, adding, “It is going to be hard finding a four-year that compares to what Weatherford College has to offer.”
Lilli admits that she sees herself as an inspiration to others.
“I believe I can resonate with pediatric cancer patients who have faced similar challenges, showing them that it’s possible to emerge stronger and reach new heights — like playing college sports,” she said. “I hope my journey gives them hope and motivation to keep fighting.
“I also feel that I inspire fellow softball players by competing at a high level after overcoming cancer. My experience demonstrates that hard work and determination can take you anywhere you want to go. I’ve put in countless hours of effort to get to where I am today, and I want to show others that they can achieve their dreams too.
“My current favorite quote is ‘The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason. Because what’s in front of you is so much more important than what’s behind you,’ Jason DeFord, aka (singer) Jelly Roll.”
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