Jamie Williams, left, high-fives Layla Rackley after she connected on a base hit during Southern Wayne’s senior night last spring. Williams stepped down after directing the softball program for six years. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
DUDLEY – Southern Wayne administrators find themselves searching for another varsity head coach, this time in softball.
Jamie Williams stepped down Nov. 18.
Her decision stems from a Feb. 15 incident involving her husband, Anthony, and a student resources officer (SRO) at a basketball game. Charges were filed and eventually dropped, but Wayne County Public Schools reportedly fired him after 15 years of service.
The case remains open due to litigation.
“[The firing] makes it impossible for me to work for an organization such as Wayne County Public Schools,” Williams said. “Our livelihood was taken away so we had to figure out a way to make it work best for our family of five, which ultimately led me to leaving.”
In six seasons, Williams guided the Saints to 42 victories and four playoff appearances. Five of her players signed scholarships with either Division II or junior college schools.
Williams’ teams won five or more conference games each season, except for the COVID year when the NC High School Athletic Association canceled athletics statewide.
“When I took over the program, there was already a pretty good, solid group of athletes that I had to get to buy into me as their coach,” Williams said. “The girls really bought into the culture and vision Anthony and I tried to cultivate. I really enjoyed being with the girls. Seeing their growth on and off the field was so rewarding.
“I built some life-long relationships with these young ladies and I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. I am so proud of the program.”
According to last year’s roster on MaxPreps.com, the Saints are projected to return nine players from 2022.
MountOliveTribune.com reached out to Saints athletics director David Lee, who said “unfortunately, no sir,” when asked to comment on Williams’ departure.
The softball vacancy has not been posted on the NCHSAA website.
