Michael Williams, who assisted Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham to an NCAA Division III Elite 8 and a national title the last two seasons, was named as Pratt Institute’s head women’s basketball coach.
“I am very excited, and I can not wait to start making positive changes to the women’s basketball program,” said Williams. “I’m extremely thankful to Pratt Institute for giving me this opportunity.”
Associate athletics director Ryan McCarthy echoed Williams’ excitement.
“We’re tremendously excited for Michael to lead our program,” McCarthy said. “His integrity, ability as a recruiter, and success in Division III basketball, obviously on the national level but also previously helping turn around a New York City program, make Michael a great choice.”
Williams spent the last two seasons as an assistant basketball coach at FDU-Florham under head women’s coach and former D3 News Coach of the Year Marc Mitchell. While at FDU-Florham, Williams assisted the Devils in winning the 2013-14 NCAA Division III National Championship, helping coach the team to a 33-0 record and the first NCAA women’s basketball championship in the State of New Jersey.
The 2014-15 season saw Williams’ Devils win a second straight Middle Atlantic Conferences Championship, going 29-2 and advancing to the Elite 8. The team went a combined 62-2 over the last two seasons.
Williams spent 2010-2013 as the top assistant and recruitment coordinator at John Jay College of Criminal Justice under then-head coach Diane Ramirez. After missing the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) postseason three years in a row, the team underwent a dramatic turnaround following Williams’ addition, improving from a 1-24 record to 11-16 in his first season.
While at the Manhattan-based institution, Williams also assisted former John Jay head men’s basketball coach DeVernie Winston with recruiting.
A native of New York City and alumnus of St. Raymond’s High, Williams graduated from Long Island University-Post with a bachelor’s degree in health education. He is the founder of Elite Training 101, a company that trains athletes ranging from middle school to the professional level.
http://pratt.prestosports.com/sports/wbkb/2014-15/releases/MW
Photo Courtesy Pratt Athletics
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