March 29, 2007
Press Conference Photo Gallery
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.UCFAthletics.com) - UCF Director of Athletics and Executive Vice President Keith Tribble announced that Joi Williams was named head coach of the UCF Knights women's basketball program on Thursday. She becomes the 11th coach since the program debuted in 1977-78.
"I am excited about the opportunity that Keith Tribble has given to me," said Williams. "When I did my research on UCF, I saw that there was a lot of growth and tremendous strides being made both in academics and athletics. There is a definite commitment to athletics from the administration and that gives me as a head coach an impressive product to sell. The expectations are high and the goal is to be the best. I won't settle for less than best."
Williams comes to UCF after four seasons at Murray State in Kentucky, where she guided the team to a 21-10 overall record and a WNIT appearance in 2006-07. As of March 20, the Lady Racers were ranked among the nation's top 10 in free-throw percentage (76.9%) and top 20 in field-goal percentage (44.8%), while their offense was among the top 40, averaging 71.3 point a contest. She also coached one of the top players in the country in forward Joi Scott, who was selected conference player of the year and is among the 52 finalists being considered for Kodak All-America recognition.
During the 2005-06 season, MSU topped the OVC and was ranked in the top 35 in nation in scoring and was ranked 14th nationally in free-throw shooting percentage (75.6%). Also last year, she served as a court coach for the USA National Under-19 team trials in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Prior to her appointment at Murray State, Williams was an assistant coach at Clemson and also spent 12 seasons at the University of Florida as the top assistant under Carol Ross.
During her time at UF, Williams helped the Gators earn a 247-121 record and nine NCAA Tournament berths. As recruiting coordinator, she was credited with signing five All-America honorees and nine of her signees went on to play in the WNBA. One of her recruits was DeLisha Milton Jones, the 1997 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year and Florida's first-ever Kodak First-Team All-America recipient.
Her recruiting efforts were recognized nationally as she was named one of the Top Young Recruiters by Lindy's Basketball Annual in the 1994-95 preseason guide. Her 1994-95 Florida class was ranked among the top five in the nation by the Women's Basketball News Service.
Williams played basketball for Bishop Kenny High School then continued her career at USF, where she was a four-year starter at point guard. She is currently ranked 11th among the school's career assist leaders.