The Heart of a Champion: A Legacy Built Beyond the Scoreboard
Players drench Williams with water after an undefeated basketball season.
When we talk about the heart of a champion, we often picture a triumphant moment—a game-winning shot, a championship trophy hoisted high, or a collection of rings that tell a story of dominance. But what if the true measure of a champion's heart isn't found in a trophy case, but in the lives they've touched? What if it's found in the quiet moments of guidance, the lessons learned on and off the court, and the unwavering belief in others? For the community of Lexington, this definition of a champion is embodied by Vernard Williams.
Williams's legacy in Lexington is a multifaceted one. He was a beloved gym teacher at Lexington Middle School, the school's athletic director, the head middle school basketball coach, and a wide receivers coach at Lexington Senior High School. But to many, he was much more than his titles. He was a father figure, a big brother, and a constant source of support. As a former assistant teacher at Lexington Middle School, I remember watching a small but dedicated group of students, coaches, and parents gravitate toward Williams every morning. He would always be modest and humble, saying, "I'm only doing what God wants me to do," and, "I'm no one special, all I do is just treat people how I would want to be treated."
Team photo
Wiliams poses with a damp hoodie after going undefeated alongside his team and Assistant coaches Alexis Fowler, Tylor Cole and Angela Pittman.
That simple philosophy of treating people with respect and kindness was the foundation of his coaching and teaching. It was also the secret to the success of his girls' basketball team. Williams's first year was a challenge, with the team securing only one win. But he was relentless, and he assembled a coaching staff that shared his vision: Coach Maury Holt, Assistant Coach Angela Pittman, Assistant Coach Tyrone Terry, and later, Assistant Coach Alexis Fowler. Together, they transformed the program, with the team going undefeated in their fourth year—a historic first for Lexington Middle School.
Williams’s success wasn’t just about winning games; it was about building a program and nurturing talent. He says he always had a pure admiration for coaching women's basketball, noticing that females "listen, and listening can be dangerous." He realized that once a coach finds a group of girls with a desire to win, it becomes the ultimate motivator. This passion for the game, combined with a deep respect for his players, was a powerful combination. He also says he has always been interested in the WNBA and players like Lisa Leslie and Sheryl Swoopes, which further fueled his love for the sport.
When the time came for Williams to leave Lexington, it was a difficult decision. His church, Holy Name/Church of Jesus, had led him to Prince Edward County High School, Virginia. "Religion is very big to me and my wife," he explained, adding that his wife has been a rock for him since their college days. He knew the Lexington girls' team would be in good hands with Head Coach Alexis Fowler and Assistant Coach Taylor Cole, along with Assistant Coach Angela Pittman. He said he always wanted either Fowler or Pittman to be his successor because they were "well deserving of the role."
Assistant Coach Vernard Williams pictured with his new school family Prince Edward County High School (Eagles)
In his new role in Prince Edward, he found many similarities to Lexington, including a promising basketball team with rising sophomores and potential 1,000-point scorers. The legacy he built in Lexington, however, is a part of him. He credits his family as his biggest inspiration and says he always wants to make them proud. He also expressed gratitude for the support he received from the Lexington Senior High School football coaching staff, including Coach Charles Morman, Assistant Coach Timothy Holt Jr., and Quarterback Coach Mitch Ellis, who took him "under their wing" during his time there, along with Brian Henderson who gave support with training camp during the summer as well.
Williams stands alongside his Wife, Mom, Dad, Brother and Sister(s) as well as his nieces.
Even though he has moved on, Williams still follows Lexington and misses home. He may feel undeserving of this article, but his legacy speaks for itself. On behalf of the city of Lexington and Davidson Local, we want to say thank you to Vernard Williams. Thank you for showing us that the heart of a champion isn't just about winning games, but about building relationships, inspiring others, and leaving a community better than you found it. We wish you well on all of your endeavors.
