Irmo High School International School for the Arts Varsity Girls’ basketball coach and physical education (P. E.) teacher Monica Williams was recently selected to help coach the 2020 SC vs NC all-star girls’ basketball game.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be able to coach in this all-star game,” said Williams. “It’s going to be a challenge, but it’s going to be a lot of fun. We’re going to pick the 10 best senior players in the state of South Carolina to go against the 10 best in North Carolina.”
Williams has taught and coached at Irmo High School for 20 years now and says she loves teaching physical education because it’s fun not only for her, but for the students. “I love teaching P.E., it’s a lot of fun getting out there and teaching the kids about sports and fitness and getting them to enjoy something maybe they can do for a lifetime because it has a lot to do with their health. Making it fun for them and making them like P.E. is what I enjoy.”
When asked why she has stayed at the same school for so long she didn’t hesitate to call Irmo her family. “I love Irmo. The people, the teachers, the kids that I’ve coached, the community it’s just a family atmosphere and I’ve just never wanted to leave.”
During her time at Irmo, her teams have at least 16 wins in 10 of the last 12 seasons. They’ve won 6 region titles and were named the state runner-up in 2004. Williams served as an assistant coach in the 2005 North-South All-Star game and coached the South team in 2015. Along with her coaching experience, Williams played women’s basketball for the University of South Carolina.
“I was just really good at basketball at a young age. I was lucky enough to be pretty good and get a scholarship to the University of South Carolina and had a good career there. I would probably have had a better career if I hadn’t torn my ACL my junior year, but it was a great experience and I just love basketball and I always knew I wanted to coach it!”
Williams will be joined by Clover High School Varsity Girls’ basketball coach Sherer Hopkins, whom she says is a long-time friend. She is most looking forward to learning from Hopkins and enjoying the experience with her. She also wanted to make sure she gave credit to all those that helped get her to where she is today.
“I couldn’t be where I am today coaching in this all-star game if it weren’t’ for my players and the coaches I’ve had the opportunity to work with,” said Williams. “I have the best staff in the world now and great kids.”
Dr. Robin Hardy, principal of Irmo High School International School for the Arts said Coach Williams represents the best of Irmo. “Coach Williams is known for creating a winning culture,” said Hardy. “She promotes the best of Irmo High and encourages excellence in others. We are proud of her and her leadership in being selected to coach the SC vs. NC all-star game.”
