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Joel Williams HS24

Joel Williams

Joel Williams was named the head coach for the Scarlet Raiders' track & field and cross country programs in August of 2024. Williams joined Rutgers-Newark after a remarkable 9-year tenure at Tufts University, where he established himself as one of the premier coaches in New England, leading the Jumbos to numerous accolades and championships.

At Tufts, Coach Williams directed one of the region's top men's track & field and cross-country programs. His leadership brought the Jumbos to the pinnacle of success, earning three New England Coach of the Year awards along with three NESCAC Championships, and guided the team to back-to-back New England Division III indoor championships in 2017 and 2018. Williams was also recognized as the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) New England Indoor Coach of the Year for both seasons. 

"We're very excited that Joel will be joining us at Rutgers-Newark," said Athletic Director Mark Griffin. "He has immense knowledge of the sport and a proven track record of success and we're looking forward to a competitive environment where our student-athletes are motivated to excel."

Williams' success extended beyond the indoor season. His outdoor teams achieved three runner-up finishes at the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Championships, and he was named USTFCCCA Regional Coach of the Year Outdoors in 2017. His athletes thrived under his mentorship, with four individuals winning NCAA titles during his tenure, and many others earning prestigious accolades, including USTFCCCA New England Indoor Field Athlete of the Year and USTFCCCA New England Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year.

"This season, I hope to continue the traditions of success already established but improve our depth and how competitive we are in the NJAC, AARTFC, and NCAAs," said head coach Joel Williams. "I emphasize development as a student, as an athlete, and as a person. My goal is to continue to bring in talented young men and women who are excited about cross country and track and field. New Jersey is a hotbed for track and field and I hope to continue to tap into that and attract the best and brightest New Jersey has to offer."

In addition to his coaching success, Williams has a strong commitment to academic excellence. His teams at Tufts consistently excelled in the classroom, with numerous athletes earning USTFCCCA All-Academic honors and one athlete receiving the NCAA's prestigious Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarship. The off-track success didn't end there as Williams coached three Fulbright Scholars and had seven CSC Academic All-Americans. 

Williams began his coaching career at Lake Park High School and has since accumulated over 25 years of coaching experience across multiple institutions, including Williams College, Davidson College, and North Central College, where he was a four-time All-American as a student-athlete.

As he joins Rutgers-Newark, Williams brings a wealth of experience, a history of success, and a commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the track. The Scarlet Raiders are excited to welcome Coach Williams to the team and look forward to the continued success and growth of the program under his leadership.