On Monday, UMS-Wright embarked on a new chapter in its storied football history with the introduction of Sam Williams as the school's first head coach in 26 years. Replacing legendary figure Terry Curtis, who claimed eight state championships during his tenure, Williams brings a wealth of experience and an impressive track record from Mississippi high school football. At just 33 years old, Williams has already established himself as a formidable leader, boasting an overall record of 82-24 across three previous coaching positions.
Sam Williams, a Mississippi native and former Mississippi State player, was appointed to his inaugural head coaching role at the age of 25. Over the past four years, he has served as the head coach at Brandon High near Jackson, where his teams achieved remarkable success with a 45-10 overall record. His leadership propelled them to three state championship appearances, earning him widespread recognition as a proven winner. The decision to join UMS-Wright came after careful consideration of the school’s unique culture and educational offerings, which align perfectly with Williams' aspirations for his young family.
In reflecting on his journey, Williams expressed gratitude for the opportunities presented by UMS-Wright. He emphasized that while leaving Brandon High was not part of his immediate plans, the alignment of values and vision between himself and the Mobile-based institution made it an irresistible opportunity. From initial phone calls to campus visits involving his wife and children, every step reinforced his belief that this was the right move at the right time.
Williams addressed concerns about following such a revered predecessor like Terry Curtis by asserting that his focus will remain firmly on nurturing student-athletes into well-rounded individuals. While acknowledging similarities in their approaches, he stressed the importance of forging his own path based on core principles centered around growth and development. His philosophy revolves around aggressive, fast-paced football combined with fostering a familial atmosphere among players.
As he begins his tenure at UMS-Wright, Williams outlines key priorities including establishing strong connections within the community and creating an energetic environment conducive to excellence both on and off the field. Competing against fresh opponents in a different state excites him, offering new challenges that promise innovative strategies for continued success. With unwavering confidence, Williams declares there is no pressure accompanying this prestigious position; instead, there lies only the drive to build upon UMS-Wright's legacy through integrity and determination.
Sam Williams steps onto the stage of Alabama high school football with clear intentions: to lead UMS-Wright forward while honoring its rich tradition. By embracing change yet respecting the foundation laid by those before him, he aims to inspire greatness in each player under his guidance. As UMS-Wright embarks on this exciting new era, anticipation grows for what lies ahead under Coach Williams' direction.