On November 7, during senior night for women’s varsity volleyball, former head coach Brenda Williams was recognized for her outstanding service to Olivet Nazarene University. At the beginning of the 2019 season, she announced that she would step down from the position.
In her career as head coach at Olivet, she earned 619 wins over 23 seasons, contributing to 909 combined wins over a 35-year career, split between Olivet and the University of Alabama Birmingham. Additionally, Williams won CCAC (Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference) Coach of the Year honors nine times and is a member of both the CCAC and the ONU Hall of Fame. These accomplishments placed Williams fourth on the NAIA active coaches list at the conclusion of the 2018 season.
With the departure of Williams from the head coach’s seat, Cynthia Anderson, assistant volleyball coach at Olivet since 2018, was appointed interim head coach by Gary Newsome, Olivet’s director of athletics.
Brenda reflected, “Stepping down from coaching the team after 23 years was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. I know that it is the best thing for my health and my family. It has been a great joy to have coached so many great young women over the years. They are what has made doing this job so enjoyable.”
The University wishes Coach Williams all the best in retirement! For more news on ONU Athletics, visit www.onutigers.com.
To learn more about the areas of study and unique student activities that Olivet offers, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
Photos submitted and used with permission.
Published 11/08/2019
