Jose Rodriguez Thomas Williams, a communications redshirt junior from Huntington Beach, California, is an infielder for the UTRGV Baseball Team. As of press time Friday, Williams has scored 22 runs batted in during the 2025 season.
Angel Ballesteros/THE RIDER
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: “I love playing pickleball. I like being active outside of baseball and I love just moving around.”
Q: Who/what got you started in baseball?
A: “My dad. He’s, I mean, he got all my siblings to baseball and softball, so I wouldn’t be here without him.”
Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration?
A: “My dad. He’s always been a hard worker his whole life. So, I’ve always looked up to him, and I always wanted to be like him.”
Q: Who is your favorite baseball player?
A: “Right now, it would be Nolan Arenado.”
Q: What kind of music do you like to listen to?
A: “I like to listen to everything right now. I listen to a lot of country.”
Q: What shows/movies do you like to watch?
A: “I’ve been really watching ‘Dexter’ a lot. I like crime shows.”
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: “I like to be active, like pickleball. I like surfing. I like working out … stuff like that.”
Q: What is your biggest motivation?
A: “Just working hard every day. I’m always trying to better myself and try to be … a better me.”
Q: What do you like most about UTRGV?
A: “It’d probably be the people here. I love everyone here. Everyone’s super nice, and I love the facilities.”
Q: What are your biggest goals?
A: “My goals for baseball are, right now, being the Southland [Conference] Player of the Year and going to regionals and, hopefully, going to Omaha with this squad. I love this team, so I would love to do this this year.”
Mykel Del Angel 
Ali Halloum 
