Below is my news article that was featured in the La Salle Basketball Preview last November.
By Justin Walters
Collegian Editor
It may be Coach Jeff Williams’ first year as head coach for the La Salle Women’s basketball team, but he’s far from rookie when it comes to coaching experience.
Williams, who spent the past seven seasons at the University of Pittsburgh, including the last four as the associate head coach, was very instrumental in helping the Panthers rebuild their organization. In addition, he also guided the team to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in program history and led the Panthers to post-season appearances the past five seasons.
When asked about advancing Pittsburgh to their first tournament appearance, Williams stated, “It was great to see that their hard work paid off and for them to accomplish something they never had…The community was thrilled for them.”
With all of this on his resume, in addition to some coaching experience at Howard and Georgia Tech, it’s easy to see why Williams’ credentials made him qualified for the Explorer job. Coach Williams feels he’s fit for the role as well, and made the correct decision in coming here. “I’ve had a genuine feeling from the university from the time I stepped on campus to my interview…I’m ecstatic how I’ve been received”, said Coach Williams.
The Explorers seem to be heading in the right direction with Coach Williams on the bench.
“My long term goal is to make La Salle a perennial top 20 program and get them on a national level,” Williams said, “I want people in California and Georgia to know La Salle.”
Williams will be the program’s eight head coach and hopes to have better luck than last year, when the team ended the season with a 7-22 record.
In order to accomplish his short term and long term goals, Williams understands that there is a lot of work he must not only do on the court with his players, but off the court. “I have to take the time to get to know each kid because they’re more than basketball players. I’m more than a basketball coach”, says Coach Williams.
According to his former player, Shavonte Zellous, Pittsburgh All-American and 2009 WNBA All-Rookie Team with Detroit Shock, Williams is an effective leader.
“I love Coach Williams to death,” Zealous said, “He is like a father-figure to me and he helped me with my game to get it to the next level. Williams is big on getting to know his players from a personal level because he feels that players will give you more because you care for and about them.”
“Getting these ladies to be successful after college is my main job”, says Coach Williams.
Fans and spectators must be patient with Williams as he’s not only getting accustomed to the university and the players, but to the Atlantic-10 conference, which is one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball. The Explorers don’t have the easiest of schedules either coming off a lack luster performance last year. Not only do they have to play nationally ranked and division opponent Xavier, but eight teams that advanced to postseason play last year, including four that earned 2010 NCAA tournament bids.
Coach Williams isn’t scared by the daunting schedule at all and will keep the same coaching mentality which he states to be, “aggressive on offense and defense and be willing to take chances.”
Williams wants his players to have an aggressive mentality and play smart, but to know that they don’t have to set up each time down court and call a play. In conclusion, he rather his players attack than be timid and hesitant.
Williams transition overall is going to take time as his first year with the Explorers will be a learning process. He also mentioned the biggest change for him is being the “decision maker.” Williams previously held the assistant coaching position at Pittsburgh and now he’ll be the head in control making all the calls.
Any coach making a shift to another university would want instant gratification, but Williams realizes how unrealistic this is. “Our weakness is how young and small we are, but my players have bought into the system and are coachable which is out biggest strength.”
Only time will tell how the Coach Williams era will pan out, but the Explorers seem to heading on the right path.
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