A former Vidalia Lady Indian standout will be at the helm of the Vidalia Lady Indians when they take the floor later this year. Vidalia Assistant Coach Kourtnee Williams, who led the Lady Indians to their only State Championship appearance, was named the Head Coach of the Lady Indians on Tuesday.
"It's a major blessing," said Williams. I am looking forward to the opportunity because way back when coach Reid was here, he had it in his mindset that this could be mine someday. So, he knew way back then that I had the potential to lead this program, and I want to make sure that I do it justice and make him and all the others that came before me proud."
Williams will replace Sissy Anderson, who stepped down, citing family earlier this month. "Kourtnee was a great player for us during her high school years," said Anderson. "She was on the State Championship runner up team in 2010, and was a great leader on the floor. When she came back to teach she began coaching and has been a vital asset to our program. She knows the tradition that girls' basketball has here in Vidalia and I know she will carry that on. I'm excited to see her lead this team."
Williams, who will be in her first head coaching job, hopes to use her time around Reid to establish he own coaching style. "Coach Reid was very mild-mannered and hardly ever yelled at you. When he did, you deserved it, but his tone was always the same, and he never got too high or too low. He really made you feel at ease, and you never felt a lot of pressure, and he wanted you to have fun and enjoy the moment. So, I hope to bring some of that style to the floor and not have the girls too tensed up and enjoy the moment. After all, that's what the game is about: having fun and enjoying the time you get to be on the court."
Vidalia Athletic Director Tommy Dalley said that he is excited about the opportunity that lies ahead for Williams. "We are super excited to name Coach Williams as our next girls basketball coach. She has worked under Coach Anderson for three years and learned the ropes and now we want her to make this program her own; to really work at it and put her stamp on it. She is a young and energetic coach that has some great ideas for the future. Coach Williams is going to be a fantastic head coach and we look forward to watching the program continue to grow under her watch."
Defense has always been a main staple of the Lady Indians program for the last 51 years, and Williams says that will not change under her leadership. "That will not go away! I am all about tradition and also creating my own tradition, but that is one thing that will not change. We are known for playing strong defense and will continue to do that."
Williams, who scored her 1000th point during her junior year, was a 4-year starter for the Lady Indians, who won 100 games during the four years while making the State Playoffs all four years. Following her High School career, which included All-State & All-Region Honors, Williams, played three seasons at Valdosta State, where she started 17 games as a freshman. A member of the Gulf South Conference Academic Honor Roll during her Freshman and Sophomore years. She then transferred to Georgia Southern University in 2015, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation. Williams received a Master of Arts in Special Education from the University of West Georgia in 2020.
Vidalia Principal John Sharpe added that he was excited about having Coach Williams lead the girls’ program. "She is one of the greatest to ever play for the Lady Indians and enjoyed a stellar college career. I am confident she will continue a standard of excellence for our program on and off the court."
When asked what about her "coaching philosophy,"; Williams answered just like a veteran coach, one who Reid had mentored. "I am in the business of building great kids. Hardworking kids. Kids with great character. If we can do that, the basketball will come along the way."
(Courtesy of VHS)
