LSU freshman outfielder Akiya Thymes has blistering speed — blink once and you just might miss her.
The Tiger faithful have seen their fair share of game-changing base runners, such as A.J. Andrews and Alex Boulet, and LSU softball coach Beth Torina expects Thymes to make the same type of threat on the base paths.
“She’s a very special athlete and very special runner,” Torina said. “She flies, we’re lucky to have her … she is going to have some game-changing moments. I guarantee it.”
Her teammates call the 5-foot-1 outfielder’s speed “incredible” and “effortless.”
“… When she gets in the game, I know she’s going to score a run,” said senior shortstop Bianka Bell. “I honestly do not mind coach taking me off the base to put her in to run for me.”
The Plaquemine, Louisiana native has played softball since she was about eight years old and broke a record for the most stolen bases at nearby Brusly High School with a total of 128 steals during four-year prep career.
No one could tell she was a freshman when she recorded her first steal against North Florida on Feb. 12. and her confidence level is pretty high.
“Nobody can throw me out,” Thymes said. “That’s the mentality I have.”
Speed is a trait she was born with. Her parents, Keyshalynn and Donnie Thymes, ran track at Southern University.
Her aunt, Debbie Parris-Thymes, is a two-time Olympic hurdler for the Jamaican National Team and the current assistant coach for the LSU track and field team.
“I think it’s just in my blood,” Akiya said. “My mom running track, my dad running track, it’s only meant to be that I’m fast. It’d be crazy if I wasn’t fast.”
Not only did she grow up surrounded by track athletes, Akiya built a relationship with a former college basketball player.
Shaeeta Williams, the current LSU director of women’s basketball operations, has a connection with Akiya that dates back to her high school days.
When Williams hosted a basketball camp in Brusly she noticed the young speedster.
“I noticed her and I [said] who is this little kid that’s quick as lighting,” Williams said. “She’s such a great athlete. She’s got some wheels, she comes from good genes.”
While at Brusly High School, Williams coached Akiya during her sophomore year. Williams, has also coached on the college level for a more than a decade, said Akiya is one the fastest players that she’s ever coached.
Now, the two have reunited at LSU and still have a special bond which is a big influence in Akiya’s life.
“I look up to her so much,” Akiya said. “She’s my favorite athlete. She’s like a second mom to me.”
On the college level, Akiya aims to translate her speed and the lessons she’s learned into success in one of the toughest conferences in the nation.
“With her speed, and her being a freshman, other teams don’t know how quick she actually is,” said sophomore outfielder Emily Griggs. “I definitely think it’s an element of surprise for most teams.”
You can reach Josh Thorton on Twitter @JoshT_TDR

Gallery • 1 Photos

Wingate Jones

LSU freshman outfielder Akiya Thymes (00) on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016 at Tiger Park