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Juan Diego Catholic High School has hired Natalie Williams, arguably the best basketball player Utah has ever produced, as the new coach of the girls' basketball program.
Williams joins the Soaring Eagle after five years as an assistant to Deb Bennett at Skyline, where she helped win two state championships. But it is Williams' unique experience as an Olympic gold medalist, a four-time WNBA all-star and a first-team all American at UCLA that the school believes will help the team improve.
"Obviously we're thrilled to have a person of her caliber - it's a real good thing for the school," athletic director Chris Long said. "She brings a wealth of experience, not only with coaching in general but as a player and someone who can help younger kids develop."
Williams played for Taylorsville, where she helped win a state championship in 1989. She went ony to be an All-American at UCLA in basketball and volleyball, earning Pac-10 female athlete of the decade honors for the '90s. Williams played with the Utah Starzz and other teams during her nine-year WNBA career and won a gold medal in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. She finished her professional career as one of the top five rebounders of all time.
Williams said she watched Juan Diego from her home in Draper, and the situation was an ideal one for her.
"It's something I've wanted to do for a long time," Williams said. "I like how they have programs at the youngest level, and I've wanted that opportunity to build a program all the way from the bottom up. Plus, I can bring my four kids there, to daycare and preschool. It was the best situation I could be in."
Long said that principal Galey Colosimo first approached him with the opportunity to hire Williams. Long declined to comment on if Ashlee McKray, the previous head coach, had already been relieved of her duties when the administration was considering hiring Williams.
During her four-year tenure, McKray compiled a 35-52 record. Juan Diego reached the playoffs the past two seasons, and McKray helped lead the Soaring Eagle to a 17-7 record and quarterfinal appearance in 2010. But Juan Diego took a step back last season, finishing 9-13 and exiting in the first round. McKray also helped pioneer the school's youth program.
Long said McKray would retain her teaching position at the school.
Under Bennett, Williams specialized in developing Skyline's post players. This year, both Abbie Brickley and Miquelle Askew were second-team all state in Class 5A and were among the top rebounders in the state. Williams also said defense will be a particular emphasis on her team.
Williams acknowledged that her name recognition would benefit the school, but it is her passion for coaching that will truly shine through as she gets into her tenure.
"If I could just coach and that was all I did besides raise my kids, that's what I'd do," Williams said. "I love being able to share my experiences, to get those young girls to be the best and to get them to enjoy winning. I want them to have fun and believe in themselves, to have confidence that they can win."
The school will introduced Williams in a press conference Friday afternoon. Long said Williams' experience and stature in the world of women's basketball should add excitement to Juan Diego's program next year.
"That's what we hope for all our hires - if not, we wouldn't have brought her in," Long said. "She will be able to take our program to a higher level."
-Kyle Goonkgoon@sltrib.comTwitter: @kylegoon