TCNJ TAPS KELLY WILLIAMS TO HEAD MEN’S BASKETBALL PROGRAM
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Media Release
Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey’s Athletic Director, John Castaldo has
announced the appointment of 1993 graduate, Kelly Williams to direct its men’s
basketball program. Williams, who played for the Lions from 1989 to 1993, and
served as an assistant men’s coach with the Lions as well returns to his alma
mater and will assume his new role on July 1.
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“The opportunity to
represent the College as an alumni and former player has always been a dream,”
Williams said. “I’m excited just to have the tradition of TCNJ’s basketball
program continue to grow under my direction.”
Williams takes over
TCNJ’s program after successful nine-year tenure (1999-2008) at Mercer County
College when he compiled a record of 154-100. During that time he led the
Vikings to six Garden State Athletic Conference championships and three National
Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II, Region XIX Finals
appearances advancing one of those years to the District IX playoffs. In 2000,
he was honored as the Junior College, Division II/III Coaching Staff of the Year
by the New Jersey Collegiate Basketball Coaches Association.
Williams
has strong ties to the Ewing campus as he played for the Lions from 1989-1993
and was graduated from the College in 1993 with a bachelor of arts in sociology.
He returned to his alma mater as an assistant under John Castaldo at the College
from 1995-99. In addition to his familiarity with TCNJ’s basketball program
throughout the years, he has been employed at the College since 1995 where he
has most recently served as an assistant director in the Office of Admissions.
“Kelly brings a wealth of basketball experience to our program,”
Castaldo said. “Kelly is already entrenched in the College’s mission and his
character, integrity and professionalism provide for the leadership building
qualities we aspire to achieve within our department. As a former TSC
student-athlete and former TCNJ assistant basketball coach, I have witnessed
firsthand his drive, and his desire to succeed both on and off the court. His
passion for the game and more importantly for TCNJ is highly evident,” he
continued. “His success at Mercer County Community College both as a coach, a
leader and a role model was remarkable. Kelly’s community ties and alumni
relationships will enhance his efforts and the efforts of TCNJ. When we added up
all of these qualities, Kelly was the top choice for the position. We are
ecstatic to have him join our department.”
Prior to his playing career
for the Lions, Williams was a standout at Ewing High School and in 2008 was
inducted into the school’s athletic hall of fame. He is an active member
National Basketball Coaches Association and the Black Coaches Association.
Williams inherits a team that challenged for a spot in the New Jersey
Athletic Conference late into the season and has 12 players eligible to
return.