Womxn in the Game: Beyond the Game. Presenting Ray Williams

Basketball may have found Ray Williams in high school, but it quickly became a lifelong passion that continues to shape the way she leads today. As the Lead Assistant Coach for the University of Guelph Women's Basketball team, Ray believes in developing the person before the player. Through empathy, purpose, and a commitment to creating opportunities, she's helping young women grow into confident leaders both on and off the court. In this month's feature, Ray shares her journey, the lessons she's learned through coaching and motherhood, and why creating a path for the next generation matters.

Ray Williams - Lead Assistant Basketball Coach, University of Guelph

Quick Profile

• Name: Ray Williams

• Role: Lead Assistant Basketball Coach

• Organization: University of Guelph

• Location: Guelph, Ontario

• Instagram: @rayahsw

  
  

Her Journey

Ray grew up playing many sports, but it was basketball that found her in high school. From the first time she stepped on the court, she quickly fell in love with the game and never looked back. So much of the person Ray is today has been shaped by her experiences as a player.

When the opportunity to join the University of Guelph Women's Basketball coaching staff came along, it was an easy yes. Drawn to Coach Hyde's vision and a program built on shared values, Ray knew it was the right place to continue growing as a coach while helping shape the next generation of athletes.

The Work

Motherhood has shaped the way Ray leads—with patience, empathy, and compassion. She creates an environment where athletes feel safe to make mistakes, supported to grow, and challenged to reach their potential. As one of the few Black women in coaching, Ray knows what it means to lead with confidence, even when she has to work harder to have her voice heard.

"Being a girl isn't a limitation; it's boundless possibilities." - Ray Williams -

In Her Words

"Being a girl isn't a limitation—it's boundless possibility."

For the Next Generation

Ray says, "It’s bigger than basketball." She believes that every girl deserves to be seen as more than just an athlete. Her goal isn't only to build better players, but to help young women leave the game with confidence, resilience, integrity, and the courage to make a difference wherever they go.

Representation

Representation is about helping young girls see what's possible. It's knowing they are not only capable—but that they belong. “Being a girl isn't a limitation; it's boundless possibility.”

Beyond the Game Means

Being a changemaker. It's about using the love for basketball as a vehicle to lead, encourage, and create opportunities for the next generation—making the path a little clearer so others can dream bigger, grow faster, and reach even greater heights.

Ray Williams dominated the courts before being a leader off. Beyond the Game. Still in the Game.

Full Q&A

1. Can you share your current role and how you first got involved?

I am the Assistant Coach at UofG. The opportunity came about a year ago. I really liked Coach Hyde’s vision for the program. Our values are very aligned, and I knew I’d be able to learn from her.

2. Did you play sports growing up? How did that (or not) shape your path?

I grew up playing several sports, but basketball found me in high school. From the moment I stepped on the court, I fell in love with the game, and I've never looked back. So much of who I am and what I do has been shaped by my experiences as a player.

3. What skills are most important in your role?

• Grace

• Generosity

• Connection/care

• Competence

• Consistency

• Curiosity

• Adaptability

• Integrity

• Trust

4. How has motherhood influenced the way you lead, train, or build community?

Motherhood has shaped every aspect of how I lead, train, and build community. It has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of leading by example. I recognize that every athlete develops differently, so I have to adjust my approach accordingly. I strive to create an environment where the athletes I coach feel safe to make mistakes, are supported in trying something new, and challenged to push past their perceived limitations. I try to lead with empathy and compassion, and make an effort to give my best even on my worst days

5. What has been one of your biggest challenges as a woman working in sports?

• Having my voice carry the same weight as my male counterparts.

• Motherhood

• Being 1 of very few...especially as a Black woman and the weight that comes with getting it right.

6. What does balance realistically look like for you in this season of life?

There’s no balance. The goal is harmony. I try to integrate both of the things I love in such a way that I can still be present and excel at both

7. What impact do you hope to have on the next generation of girls in sport? One piece of advice you would give to young girls who want to be involved in sports (in any capacity).

I hope to have a positive impact on every girl and young woman I coach. It’s bigger than basketball. I value the person before the player, because the lessons they’ll learn through sport will extend far beyond the game itself.

My goal is to help athletes see sport as preparation for life. The discipline to show up every day, being resilient through adversity, believing in yourself, the humility to learn from mistakes, and the ability to work as part of a team will shape who they become.

I want every athlete I coach to ask themselves, "How can the lessons I've learned through sport help me become a better human?" If they leave the game with integrity, greater confidence, and a commitment to serving others, then I’ll feel like I’ve done what I was called to do.

8. What does representation mean to you?

Representation in sport means providing opportunities for young girls to see what is possible for them and their future. The ability to know that not only are they capable, but they belong. Being a girl isn’t a limitation: it’s boundless possibility!

9. Outside of sport, who are you? (Hobbies, passions, fun facts, etc.)

Ray is a mom of 2, loves Motown. She will never say no to plantain:), and enjoys learning new things

10. Being a woman in the game, beyond the game means...

Being a changemaker. It means using my love for basketball to lead, encourage, and create opportunities for the next generation.

I want to help make the path a little clearer for those coming behind me so they can dream bigger, grow faster, and reach even greater heights

Closing:

Womxn Ball exists to show that there is space for you in sports — in every role, at every level.