UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- Penn State head women's basketball head coach Carolyn Kieger announces a promotion within her staff. Former Lady Lion basketball player Terri Williams is promoted from her role as an assistant coach to the associate head coach.
"We are thrilled at promote Terri Williams to associate head coach," Kieger said. "She has been an integral part of our growth as a program. She leads with passion and empowers our young women to soar to new heights on and off the court. Her love for her Alma Mater runs deep and we are excited to continue our pursuit of excellence."
Williams was a four-year letterwinner for Penn State women's basketball from 1988-91. Upon graduating, she departed Happy Valley and served as an assistant coach for 12 years at various different institutions. Williams made stops at Georgetown (1992-96), Georgia (1996-2002) and Southwest Missouri State (2002-04). She also served on staff as an assistant coach for Team USA in the summer of 2011, guiding the team to a gold medal.
Williams landed her first head coaching job at Georgetown where she was head of the program from 2004-12 after her role as an assistant in years prior. In her time with the Hoyas, she posted a 143-104 record with three appearances in the NCAA Tournament including a trip to the Sweet 16 in 2011. Her squad also reached the WNIT quarterfinals in 2009. Williams was named the head coach at Auburn in 2012 where she spent nine seasons. Throughout her time in the south, she led the team to 140 wins, three NCAA Tournament appearances and two trips to the WNIT.
In 2022, Williams returned to Happy Valley as an assistant coach for Kieger where she led the defense. She helped several key Lady Lions to successful seasons including Leilani Kapinus who led the team in rebounds, steals and blocks while surpassing 1,000 career points in the 2023-24 season. Williams guided Kapinus to an Big Ten All-Defensive Team selection as well. The long-time Lady Lion also coached Jonaisia Cash who finished her career with 1,084 points, 952 rebounds and 25 double-doubles. Cash also ranked 22nd in career boards and 48th in career double-doubles following the 2022-23 season.
