John Williams steps down at ACA

Women’s basketball coach and ESPN commentator moves on after nine seasons

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
February 27, 2023

ACA women’s basketball coach John Williams is stepping down after nine seasons. The former UNCA standout and Harlem Globetrotter led the Lions to a pair of state championships during his tenure with the school. Photo by Fred McCormick

The head women’s basketball coach who led the Asheville Christian Academy program to a pair of state championships is stepping down after nine seasons.

John Williams, former UNC Asheville standout and Harlem Globetrotter, cited increasing commitments to his college basketball broadcasting career, in a press release issued, Feb. 27, by the Swannanoa school.

“Coach Williams has led our women’s program to new levels over the past nine seasons. He and Coach (Joey) Harrell are two of the best in N.C. and have helped many ACA girls make their way to the collegiate level as well,” ACA Director of Athletics Joe Johnson said. “John has led with class and character. His leadership has left a lasting mark on ACA Athletics. We know that John will be a positive impact wherever he goes, and we will miss him and his family. “

Williams, who won 138 games as head coach of the Lions, guided the program to six final four appearances during his tenure with the team, and four appearances in the NCISAA State Championship. He and Harrell, his assistant coach and former UNCA teammate, led ACA to titles in 2020 and 2022.

Known as “The Jet” during his high-flying Bulldogs career, Williams helped lead his college program to a Big South Conference Tournament Championship in 2011, when he gained national attention for his performance in the NCAA dunk contest.

“Coach Williams’ departure is in large part due to his growing presence in the NCAA college basketball scene as a commentator for ESPN, regionally and nationally,” ACA said in the announcement, adding the school intended to announce a new head coach later in the week.