By: Tom Williams | Sept 19, 2024
Clarksdale, Mississippi – Shanae Govan Williams, the head coach of Coahoma Community College’s (CCC) Women’s Basketball team, is no stranger to success and leadership. Now entering her second year at Coahoma, and her 11th overall as a head coach, Williams has built a remarkable coaching career that has inspired student-athletes to excel both on and off the court.
Her journey to becoming a head coach began fresh out of college, immediately after finishing a standout playing career as the starting point guard at Delta State University (DSU) from 2012 to 2014. At just 22 years old, with no prior coaching experience, Williams got her first head coaching position at Lee Academy. She reflects on the moment with gratitude, acknowledging the leap of faith taken by the school and Head Master Tommy Gunn for believing in her potential. “When I think about where I am today, I always have to credit them,” Williams said, attributing much of her early development to that opportunity.
Since then, Williams has amassed an impressive coaching résumé that includes time at four different high schools, including Arkansas’s highest classification. Her path includes three years at Lee Academy, four years at her alma mater Crossett High School, one year at Magnolia High School, and another at Bryant High School before landing at Coahoma.
Her playing career is equally decorated. She was a 4-time conference champion, beginning at Arkansas Tech University from 2010 to 2012, where she was named Top Newcomer in 2010 and led the Gulf South Conference in steals and turnover ratio. At Delta State, she was the Defensive Player of the Year, ranked #1 in assists, and played an average of 36 minutes per game.
Now at Coahoma, Williams finds the greatest fulfillment not in wins and championships, though she has plenty of both, but in the development and success of her student-athletes. “Nothing beats seeing your student-athletes walk across the stage on graduation and further their education,” she shared. For Williams, mentoring her players and pushing them to be the best version of themselves remains her primary focus.
Part of Williams’ success at Coahoma can be credited to the unique synergy she shares with her childhood best friend, Coach Pippen, who joined her coaching staff. Pippen, who specializes in skill development, has been a vital part of the team’s growth. “We’d always talk about coaching together but didn’t know it would happen so soon!” Williams said. Their dynamic makes the work feel effortless, and the results show on the court.
Off the court, Williams is supported by her husband, whom she describes as her “#1 supporter.” His flexibility in his own welding career has allowed her to pursue her dreams and climb the ranks in the coaching profession. “I’m just thankful that I married someone who understands my calling is beyond one location,” Williams added, emphasizing the balance she’s been able to maintain between her career and family life.
As she enters another season with Coahoma, Williams remains steadfast in her commitment to excellence. Whether on the court or in the classroom, her focus on fostering growth in her players ensures that her legacy will be defined not just by the number of games she’s won, but by the lives she’s touched.
Photo Credit: Shanae Govan Williams, FB Page
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