SYDNEY PRIHODA IS A FLEX.
The Willis senior outfielder, already with double-digit home runs this season, has signed to play softball at Sam Houston State. She’s a bona fide star—whether she’s in the field, at the plate, or blazing around the base paths.
“My dad has always pushed me to be my best, and I appreciate that,” Prihoda said. “He and his brothers played baseball at Sam Houston, and he’s had a bat in my hands for as long as I can remember. He’s the ultimate ‘girl dad’.”
Prihoda grew up surrounded by boys—her brother, her cousins—it was always game on.
“I’m the only girl in our extended family, so I had to learn sports, boats, and fishing,” she laughed. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I love deep-sea fishing, the adrenaline of being flung on a tube behind a boat, and, of course, hitting home runs.”
Growing up the tough one in a crew of boys meant plenty of bumps and bruises along the way.
“I was super injury-prone as a kid,” she smiled. “But it made me tough. And it also helped me find my passion beyond softball. I’d love to be a chiropractor or an athletic trainer for a professional team. I want to stay around sports and be in the field of medicine.”
As Willis’ clean-up hitter, Prihoda has big expectations for her senior year. The program missed the playoffs last season—but not if she has anything to say about it.
“I was co-Offensive Player of the Year as a freshman,” she said. “After that, I was getting everyone’s best pitch. This year, I’m hoping to get back to those numbers and provide the leadership my team needs. I love this game—but really, I play for my teammates.”
With Prihoda leading the way, Willis Softball should be thinking playoffs as April turns to May and the district race heats up.
Stay tuned.