Michael Williams Tabbed CCNY Head Women's Basketball Coach

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Jul. 2, 2019) - On Tuesday, City College of New York Director of Athletics Lydia Travis announced Michael Williams as the next head coach of the Beavers' women's basketball program. A native of Harlem, Williams returns to his hometown, bringing nearly 10 years of coaching experience to the program. Williams will also serve as the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the CCNY athletic department. "I am pleased to welcome Michael Williams to the CCNY family," said Travis. "In addition to his demonstrated success on the court and limitless investment in the total experience of his players, I am thrilled for Michael to bring his high energy and sports performance training background to City College athletics." Williams spent the last three seasons (2016-19) as the head coach at Simmons University in Boston, Mass. In his first season at Simmons, he led the Sharks to their first postseason appearance since 2010, advancing to the GNAC Tournament quarterfinals. Then, in 2018-19, Williams coached and developed a GNAC All-Conference honoree and the all-time seventh-leading scorer in NCAA Division III. Williams is the founder of Elite Training 101, a company that trains athletes ranging from middle school to the professional level. The training program enhances their overall skills, works on strength and conditioning and their development in and out of the playing arena. "I'm extremely grateful and humbled that Director of Athletics Lydia Travis, Committee Chair Karina Jorge and the search committee has entrusted me with the leadership of the CCNY women's basketball program," said Williams. "The program has a rich history of success, and I'm excited to work with the athletic department and the campus community to build upon the program's accomplishments, both on and off the court. Academic excellence, creating a well-rounded experience, graduation and competitiveness at the conference and national levels will be our program's goal every year." Prior to joining Simmons, he spent a season at the helm of the Pratt Institute women's basketball program, overseeing a complete turnaround. He guided the Cannoneers from a winless season during the 2014-15 campaign, to a 7-7 record in 2015-16, while coaching two All-Conference players and a Rookie of the Year selection. Before Pratt, Williams spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham. During his time at FDU, he helped guide the Devils to a 62-2 (.968) record, two NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, two MAC Freedom Conference Championships, and the 2014 NCAA Division III National Championship. Williams created the team's strength and conditioning/injury prevention program, helping develop eight All-Conference honorees and the 2013-14 National Player of the Year. He also assisted in all aspects of the program, including recruiting, practice and game planning, scheduling and scouting. No stranger to the CUNY Athletic Conference and New York City, Williams' coaching career began at John Jay College. He spent three seasons (2010-13) as the lead assistant for the Bloodhounds' women's basketball program. He helped guide the program to three straight postseason appearances in the CUNYAC Tournament, reaching the semifinals in 2011, and advancing to the first round the following two seasons. Williams is a 2007 graduate of LIU Post, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in Health Education. He is also an active member of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).