Drew Williamson is the Assistant Coach at Virginia State University and is a member of the Black Coaches Association
- Why did you get into coaching?
I love this game. For me it's being able to mentor and teach life lessons through this game. Also want to have a positive impact on the lives of the young men that I coach. The exact same way all of the coaches I had, did for me. - How many years have you been coaching?
9 - Who has been your biggest inuence in coaching and why?
Travis DeCuire. He was my position coach when I played, and really poured into my basketball growth on and off the floor, and now has done the same with my coaching career. - What do you enjoy most about coaching and why?
Getting a chance to witness daily, weekly, monthly and yearly growth in the young men I get to coach. Love being a small part of their growth from boys to men. - What has been one of the greatest lessons you have learned about life through coaching? Please explain.
Remain as Consistent as possible in every aspect of your life. On and Off the court. In life it is human nature and easy to get too high when things are going well, and too low when during tougher times. Being able to remain consistent with who you are and the messages you deliver are extremely important. - What is your ultimate goal in coaching?
Being a Head Coach is my ultimate goal and continuing to have a positive impact on the staffs, and young men I am around. - What has been your greatest lesson as a coach during the pandemic?
During the pandemic, my greatest lesson has been gaining a greater understanding of my core values, and the things that are most important in my life. - What has been one of the toughest lessons you have learned through coaching. Please explain.
As much as you want to have such a huge impact on every player that you recruit or coach. You will have the student athlete that you just can't seem to get through to. It always stings, because regardless of the circumstances, you still come away from the situation always thinking you could have done more. Those situation sting. - As a minority coach, what do you feel has been the biggest challenge for minority coaches in the profession?The proper education on how to succeed long term in the profession as well as advancement opportunities. Knowing we may only get one shot at this thing. Being as prepared as possible through proper training is vital.
- Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to know about you.
I spend a lot of my free time doing "Carpentry". I try to build any and everything around my house.
