1000 x 90

Director of Athletics Names Michele Williams as the New Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Lees-McRae College

Aug. 30, 2012. Michele Williams has been named the new women’s basketball head coach at Lees-McRae College, announced Director of Athletics Craig McPhail Thursday.

“We are really fortunate and excited to have someone with Michelle’s talents taking over our women’s basketball program,” McPhail said. “Her dedication and passion for the game is important, but what I felt was crucial to our growth was her character development, relationship building and recruiting strengths.”

Williams brings over 10 years of coaching experience to Lees-McRae, previously serving as the head coach at Conference Carolinas foe King College for five seasons, leading the Tornado to four consecutive national tournament appearances in both the NAIA and NCCAA. For her efforts during the 2006-07 campaign, Williams was named the Appalachian Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. 

“I am very excited and honored to lead the Lees-McRae women’s basketball program,” said Williams. “Coaching is such a passion of mine and I am grateful for the administration, especially Mr. McPhail, for giving me this opportunity to coach in Conference Carolinas. I can’t wait to get in the gym with the team and start preparing for the 2012-13 season.”

Prior to her appointment as the Tornado head coach, Williams served as the assistant coach at King for six years, coordinating the team’s recruiting efforts as well as the team’s travel. Williams also served as the Tornado’s athletic recruiting coordinator in 2004-05, managing all of the department’s recruiting databases as well as developing the recruiting materials for each athletic program.

Williams has tremendous experience coordinating and assisting with camp programs, directing King’s individual and team camps while at the Bristol, Tenn. school, as well as helping with camps at Ohio State University and Clemson University.

The East Tennessee native received a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and coaching from King in 2001, as well as a Master of Arts in sport management from East Tennessee State University in 2005.

“Coach Wild was building something special here and we look forward to watching Michelle continue this,” expressed McPhail. “Her intensity and drive will have us where we want to be soon.”