Averett athletic director Charles Harris announced Tuesday the appointment of Katrina Williams as head women's basketball coach. Williams will be the sixth head coach in the varsity program's 23-year history. In addition, she will serve as the athletic department's senior woman's administrator.

“I am delighted to welcome Katrina to the Averett family,” Harris said. “Throughout this process, it became clear that she has a passion for impacting the lives of young people through basketball. I am confident that we have attracted an individual to our campus that will, not only produce champions on the court, but also in life.”

Williams most recently served as an assistant coach at Ferrum. While serving on the Panthers staff, she helped coach Bryan Harvey lead the team to a school-best 21-7 record in 2006-07. Ferrum advanced to the USAC tournament championship game both seasons Williams provided assistance. Additionally, she played a major role in the recruiting process that landed 11 freshmen on the Ferrum campus over the last two seasons, including the 2007 USA South Conference Rookie of the Year.

"Katrina understands the league, having been a part of it for the last two seasons," Harris said. "She also has high school coaching contacts throughout the state and has a proven recruiting track record. That fact, in particular, allowed her to standout among an impressive candidate pool."

Williams takes over an Averett program that posted a 5-19 record last season. She replaces Kathy Bocock, who resigned from the position on May 2.

"I am very honored and excited about the opportunity to lead the Averett women's basketball program," Williams said. "I appreciate the confidence that Dr. Pfau, Mr. Harris and Averett University have in me and I thank them for this opportunity."

"Fortunately, I have been able to play and work for some very successful coaches that have helped prepare me for this challenge. I am grateful for all of their help and guidance, which has helped lead me to this position. I look forward to transferring the success that I enjoyed as a player and as a coach to Averett University."

Williams is a 2004 graduate of Roanoke where she earned a bachelor's degree in sociology. She was a three-year standout on the Maroons basketball team after playing one season at Virginia Tech. Williams was a three-time Old Dominion Athletic Conference all-league selection, including first team selections in 2002 and 2003. She was also named the ODAC Player of the Year in 2003 and was D3hoops.com first team All-South Region.