The 25-minute drive Jackson Williams makes each time he returns to Johnson County will soon carry greater significance.
On Friday, the 23-year old was named as the new boys basketball coach at Greenwood Christian Academy. Williams replaces Jonny Marlin, who resigned in April after leading the Cougars to a 65-30 record and two sectional championships in his four seasons.
Williams, a 2016 Center Grove graduate of Center Grove, played basketball and golf for the Trojans. He continued his athletic career as a golfer at Franklin College, graduating with a degree in secondary social studies education.
Currently a U.S. history and world history teacher at Shelbyville High School, Williams coached the Golden Bears’ junior varsity boys basketball squad this past season. Prior to that, he was at Center Grove one year as the freshman boys coach and started his career with two seasons at GCA as part of Marlin’s coaching staff.
Williams embraces the opportunity to return — this time in a larger role.
“I’m really excited to get to meet my players and their families,” he said. “The culture is so special there. Being a faith-based school is something I was really drawn to, and it’s something I want to be part of.”
Despite being so young, Williams has already been able to learn from solid mentors, starting with his father, former Center Grove golf coach Jim Williams. It’s something the younger Williams simply refuses to take for granted.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity I had as a student-athlete. Coach (Zach) Hahn being my coach the last two years of high school gave me knowledge in all facets of the game,” Williams said. “My dad was a coach as well, and having those people in my corner and looking up to people like Jonny is invaluable.”
