A chaotic mix of passion and energy, the football field pounds under players diligently slogging away at drills, or anxiously going over plays right before games, with Mr. Joshua Williams standing at the heart of this intensity.

Despite this being P.E., Basketball, Football, and Movement teacher Mr. Williams’ first year of teaching, he is no stranger to the world of athletics. From playing football for his high-school team at McNeil, to competing at the collegiate level at Stephen F. Austin State University, sports have permeated every aspect of Mr. Williams’ life. 

“I’ve been playing a sport since I could walk,” Mr. Williams said. “My dad [and brother] played professional football, my little brother played collegiate baseball, and my sister play[ed] collegiate softball. I’ve [always] had a ball in my hand, [and] it’s been a passion of mine, for sure.”

Though Mr. Williams has a wealth of experience in athletics, for the longest time, he never could integrate his passion for athletics into his profession. Before teaching, Mr. Williams navigated the world of corporate sales.

“[It was] really different,” Mr. Williams said. “[Now] I [get to] come to work in shorts, a t-shirt, and a sweatshirt. I’m not calling people who don’t want to be called, or selling them something they don’t want to be sold. There’s a lot of similarities, but it’s just [that] working with kids [is different than] working with all adults.” 

What ultimately sparked Mr. William’s recent career transition to teaching and coaching was his deep passion for athletics.

“I’ve always loved football,” Mr. Williams said. “I’m a big sports guy. [I] played in college football, so I’ve always wanted to coach. [Head Football] Coach [Anthony] Wood gave me the [job] opportunity sometime during the summer last year, and kind of put that in my head, and it [ended up] turning into a reality.” 

Despite it being Mr. Williams’ first year of teaching, he has big ambitions for the teams he coaches.

“We want to go to playoffs, but also [the] state championship,” Mr. Williams said. “We want to do really well, represent Westwood to the best of our ability. I wouldn’t be a good coach if I said I didn’t want to go out and win State.”

Although Mr. Williams admits he has rather lofty ambitions for the team, his main goal for teaching is to be able to connect with and care for students.

“I don’t think [students] get a chance to tell your story, [and] I just love connecting with [them]. Where they come from, what’s their background, what they’re interested in,” Mr. Williams said. “Being an athlete, I wasn’t always the smartest student. I had some teachers who [were], I wouldn’t say rough, but you could tell they cared. They cared about their subject, they cared about their students, [and] those were the ones I really gravitated towards. Sometimes the best teachers aren’t always likable, because they have to make sure that you have to get done what you get done. That’s what I want to model [for] myself. I might not always be likable, but hopefully, [my] students respect me.”