Fresno State senior Lindsey Willmon will be finishing her final season as a member of the Fresno State softball team and although her playing days may be coming to an end, her leadership, drive and positive energy make up what motivates her.  

“The family aspect that comes with being a Bulldog is something special to my heart,” Willmon said during a Thursday afternoon practice at Margie Wright Stadium.

Since transferring to Fresno State from the University of Hawaii, Willmon’s on-the-field production for the Bulldogs has been one that doesn’t go unnoticed.

In 2016, Willmon drove in 48 runs, hit 12 home runs and had a slugging percentage of .690, which ranked her 76th among players nationally.

She was selected to the NFCA All-Region first team, the All-Mountain West first team and has helped the Bulldogs win a conference championship.

This year Willmon continues that success, recording six home runs and 25 RBIs, while switching her position of first base/center field to playing behind the plate.

“The game will reward you for hard work and positivity,” Willmon said after describing her growth throughout her softball experience.

Her free spirit and competitive drive are characteristics Willmon possesses that really grab the attention of coach Linda Garza and her teammates.

“Lindsey comes out every single day with the intent to get better, with the intent to win and with the intent to help her teammates,” Garza said. “She has a passion for the Red Wave community.”  

Garza, who coached against Willmon when she was at the University of Hawaii, has had the opportunity to see her mature into a successful student-athlete.

Garza would love to see Willmon go out as an all-conference player and believes she will have success in anything she does moving forward.

Student assistant and 2016 Mountain West pitcher of the year Jill Compton enjoyed her time playing with Willmon and said she is fun to be around.

“When you’re on the field with her, you know she wants it,” said Compton. “As a player, you really respect that.”

After the season, Willmon will continue to attend Fresno State for another year and pursue a degree in communications.

She has looked into a career in real estate and plans to follow the Fresno State softball family and make sure they “keep the legacy going.”

As of now, Willmon is focused on finishing the season strong and enjoys being around her coaching staff, teammates and fans.

Willmon said, “Win or lose, I just want to enjoy the last couple of games I have on this dirt, in this area, with these girls and build relationships with these girls that I will have forever.”