John Williams begins his fifth season as head coach of the Spring Arbor University women’s basketball program in 2026-27.
Since taking over the program in 2022, Williams has guided the Cougars to 86 victories and three consecutive NAIA National Tournament appearances. Spring Arbor has won at least 19 games in each of his first four seasons, including a pair of 24-win campaigns.
In 2025-26, Williams led SAU to a 24-8 record and the NAIA National Championship Round of 16. The Cougars finished 13-5 in Crossroads League play and reached No. 16 in the national rankings during the season. Their 24 victories matched Williams’ best season at Spring Arbor and tied the program’s highest single-season win total since 1998-99.
Williams made an immediate impact in his first season, guiding a team that had won four games the previous year to 19 victories in 2022-23. Picked 10th in the Crossroads League preseason poll, the Cougars finished fifth and earned a victory over the nation’s sixth-ranked team. Williams received Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan College Coach of the Year recognition following the season.
Spring Arbor continued its progress in 2023-24, finishing 24-8 and third in the Crossroads League. The Cougars earned their first NAIA National Tournament berth since 1998-99 and defeated Langston in the opening round before falling to eventual national champion Dordt. SAU returned to the tournament in 2024-25 after a 19-win season.
Williams emphasizes a Christ-centered approach to player development, leadership and team culture. The program’s foundation includes J.O.Y. — Jesus, Others, Yourself — and Ubuntu, expressed as “I am because we are.” Players are challenged to compete with SOUL: Selflessness, Ownership, Unity and Larger Purpose.
A Spring Arbor alumnus and former student-athlete, Williams previously served as an assistant coach with the Cougars during the 2017-18 season, working with guards and contributing to recruiting, scouting and strength training. He also serves as chair of the university’s Elementary Education Department and an assistant professor of education.
Before becoming SAU’s head coach, Williams coached varsity girls basketball at Homer High School, where he developed elementary basketball leagues, summer skills camps and training opportunities for volunteer coaches. His experience also includes two seasons as the junior varsity boys head coach and varsity assistant at Addison High School, three seasons leading Addison’s varsity girls program, and coaching youth travel and AAU teams.
Williams earned his bachelor’s degree from Spring Arbor in 2005 and his master’s degree in 2009. He received a postgraduate certificate in K-12 administration from Eastern Michigan University in 2011.
Williams and his wife, Carrie, reside in Spring Arbor with their son, Milo.
