New CHS basketball coach Micah Williams
Describing the opportunity as “a dream come true,” Micah Williams was named the new head coach for the Coffee County Central High School boy’s basketball team late Tuesday afternoon. Williams, a 2006 graduate of CHS, has been an assistant coach for the last 2 seasons for the Red Raiders.
Principal Dr. Joey Vaughn announced the hiring by saying he was “incredibly excited about the opportunity this hire brings to the basketball program.” Vaughn went on to say “This young man is invested in this community and expressed a commitment not only to the Coffee County basketball program, but to Coffee County as a whole. Micah left this community as a Division 1 basketball player and a professional player and chose to come back to this community because he wants to be here. That was a huge factor in our decision.” Vaughn also saw another benefit to William’s time away from the community saying “Micah’s Division 1 and professional playing experience brings credibility to the players that relates better to our players than any previous coaching experience would.”
Williams is the most celebrated Red Raider basketball player in the last 30 years and arguably one of the best players to ever play for Coffee County/Manchester. After graduating CHS in 2006, Micah played for 4 years at East Tennessee State University where he graduated in 2011. Micah went on to play professional basketball in England and Japan. Williams suffered a broken foot in his 2nd season overseas “which turned out to be a blessing in disguise” according to Williams. The injury allowed Micah “settle down, get married and begin his coaching career at Coffee County.”
When asked who he would like to thank, Coach Williams responded to Thunder Radio with the following:
“ I would like to give a special thank you to my wife Holly Williams. I want to thank her for being by my side, keeping me level headed, and always being supportive. I truly appreciate everything that she does for me…Thank you for your love and support… I love you!
I would like to thank Dr. Joey Vaughn for his support and trust in me to lead this program. Dr. Vaughn has been a pleasure to work for and with over the past 2 years. A great leader, a great principal, but most importantly a great man… It has been great working with him, and I’m definitely looking forward to many years of the same.
“I would like to thank Dr. Ladonna McFall for her support and for giving me the opportunity to lead the basketball program”
Micah Williams during his playing days at East Tennessee State University ( Photo courtesy of www.etsubucs.com )
I would like to thank Coach Andrew Taylor. My former high school basketball coach. Andrew has been nothing but the best to me for many years. Coach Taylor, not only was my coach, but to this day, an outstanding mentor and I appreciate everything he has done for me over the years. Thank you!
Next, I would like to thank Coach Ben Holl. Ben and I have worked together as assistants over last 2 seasons. Ben has been phenomenal to work with. A guy who does a lot of things behind the scenes that helps keep our program running. It is always great to work with someone who truly understands the definition of hard work and dedication and is striving to be the best teacher and coach that he can be.
Last but definitely not least… I want to thank my family. Wysteria Williams (mother), Ralph Williams (father), and Taurean Williams (brother). My family has always been there for me. At an early age, the foundation of a positive leader was shown to me… They pushed me and encouraged me to never settle for mediocre and to this day I strive to be the best husband, son, brother, coach, and role model that I can be. I can’t thank my family enough, for their love and support. Thank you guys… I love you all.
It is truly a blessing to be the Head Basketball Coach at Coffee County Central High School. I would like to thank the community of Manchester for your many years of support and I ask that the support will increase for these kids in this program. Thank you in advance!!”
Williams, who will take over immediately, wants to hit the ground running as he will prepare his team for spring tryouts and summer workouts. Williams expects 3 year assistant Ben Holl to stay on as an assistant. Williams hopes to add two assistant coaches in the coming months. Micah Williams will be a guest on Saturday’s Coffee Coaches Show at 10 AM. The show is broadcast live from Al White Ford/Lincoln and folks are encouraged to come out and meet the coach. The show can be heard on Thunder Radio (AM 1320, 107.9 FM & WMSRradio.com)
