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.
Isaiah Vela (VYPE)
The stars of 2025-26 Hightower Girls BasketballIsaiah Vela (VYPE)
Matt Powell (VYPE)
