June 1, 2012 — After nearly a month without a leader, the Rowan County Lady Vikings’ basketball program finally found its new leader on Thursday.
Jennifer Williams, a former Division III player and native of Ohio, packs quite the resume, including a successful six-year run as the head coach of Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, N.C.
After several days of deliberation, the 28-year-old Williams decided to leave her position at Mars Hill for the opportunity to take the helm at Rowan County, a challenge the young coach says she is most looking forward to.
“I’m really excited about it,” Williams said. “I have heard about how what a great community this is and how much pride they take in their sports. To be able to resign from my job down there and be able to land a job like this…I couldn’t have asked for a better situation.”
The new job also happened to work out perfectly as it reunites Williams with her husband, Morehad State Softball Head Coach David Williams.
Jennifer Williams said Rowan County is a top-tier school system, and it is a place that she and her husband hope to settle into.
“When my husband got the job at MSU, my mom called and told me what a great school system Rowan County has,” Williams said. “That’s a typical mom to conduct research on the education (laughing). But I feel education is important, we hope to plant roots here in the community, and start a family here in Morehead.”
With little time to prepare for summer basketball sessions, the new Lady Viking commander said it’s going to be quick turnaround to summer ball, which is set to begin next week.
“I am a coach that believes you must be able to adjust your playing style to the strengths of your players,” Williams said. “Summer ball is set to begin soon and I am in the process of trying to put together my staff. I’m looking at some top quality people to assist, but right now it’s just me, and it’s most important for me to get to know my players over the next few weeks.”
Williams closed with a set of defined goals for the 2012-2013 season.
“I want my girls to represent Rowan County Senior High School with integrity and class,” Williams said. “As a coach, I want to see these girls improve their game every day from start to finish. As far as giving a goal as to what kind of record we’re seeking, I can’t really say yet, because I am still learning about my players.”
Williams continued, emphasizing the importance of her team getting better.
“Of course we want to win and that is the ultimate goal. Improvement throughout the season is what I am looking for, and if we are the same team in March that we are in June, then I haven’t done my job.”
Grant Stevens can be reached at gstevens@themoreheadnews.com or by telephone at 784-4116.
