May 1, 2006
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. ? Helen Williams, former assistant at Princeton University, has been hired as the new head coach of the Merrimack College women's basketball team, as announced today by Director of Athletics Sean T. Frazier.
"We are excited to have Helen Williams join the Merrimack College Athletics Department as our new women's basketball coach," says Frazier. "She will be a good fit for the College and will do very well here. She brings with her an outstanding presence and comes from great experience."
Williams comes to Merrimack College with over 15 years of Division I women's basketball coaching experience. She joins the Warrior athletics family after having served the last four seasons as the first assistant and recruiting coordinator at Princeton.
While with the Tigers, Williams was responsible for recruiting, on-floor coaching, scouting, and game preparation. She helped Princeton to a 21-7 overall record and a 12-2 Ivy League record last year, both school bests for the program. During her time in New Jersey, she coached four Ivy League All-Rookies, including the 2005 Rookie of the Year, and two All-Ivy League selections.
"Ms. Williams has demonstrated a high standard of excellence throughout her career. I am pleased that she will now bring those same high standards to Merrimack College and our women's basketball program," says Merrimack College President Richard Santagati. "Her knowledge, work ethic and leadership skills will be instrumental in the future success of our student-athletes ? both on and off the court. I am confident that she will make strong and positive contributions to the entire Merrimack College community."
Prior to her post at Princeton, Williams spent time as an assistant coach on staff at the United States Naval Academy (1997-2002), Western Michigan (1993-97), South Florida (1991-93), Wake Forest (1989-91), and Division II Lenoir-Rhyne (1987-89). In 1998, her Navy team was crowned Patriot League Champions. In addition, Williams served as head coach of the 2002 All-Navy team, where she was responsible for developing and implementing a four-week plan to prepare for and compete in the Armed Forces Tournament.
"I am thrilled to have been selected as the head coach of Merrimack College Women's Basketball," says Williams. "Under the leadership of President Santagati and Sean Frazier, Merrimack's athletics department has tremendous potential, and I look forward to being a part of its growth."
Williams graduated from Wake Forest University in 1987 with a bachelor's degree in health science. She was a four-year member of the Demon Deacon women's basketball team. She received her Master's degree in counselor education from Lenoir-Rhyne in 1989. Williams is a member of several organizations and has worked on numerous presentations and publications within the women's basketball coaching community.
Williams will hit the ground running at Merrimack. She will prepare to host two weeks of the 2006 Merrimack College Girls' Basketball Camp, which will run June 26-29 and July 3-6, as well as help push forward a season ticket campaign.
TRANSACTIONS ? Helen Williams, former assistant coach at Princeton University, hired as women's basketball coach at Merrimack College.
