Special to the WJH Three hundred wins may be the headline. But for Lenny Williams, the true measure of the journey is found in the consistency that built them — and the people shaped along the way.
“Let your work speak for itself, and grow on and off the court,” he said. “Be willing to collaborate and learn from others. Study yourself and the profession. Pay attention to the small details and do the little things consistently, because those habits shape your culture, your credibility, and your longterm success.”
The 46-year-old Williams reached the 300win plateau December 16 with a home victory over Valdosta. His Gators have added four more decisions since beating Glynn Academy, Richmond Hill, Hilton Head Island and McIntosh County Academy entering the final days of 2025.
Ware County closed out the year Tuesday, December 30 facing Brunswick.
Nearly two decades into a profession defined by constant change, Williams has built a career on one unwavering principle — consistency. It is the line connecting every stop, every rebuild, every late night in the gym and early morning in the film room.
“Reaching 300 wins represents far more than a number,” Williams said. “It reflects years of consistency, personal growth, and the relationships built along the way.”
Those relationships, and the culture they sustain, have become Williams’ signature. Now 46, he has spent nearly 20 years taking over programs labeled as rebuilding projects and turned them into structured, disciplined environments where winning became a byproduct rather than the sole pursuit.
“Wins come and go, but culture lasts,” Williams said.
That belief was forged early. His coaching journey began at Oak Mountain Academy, a GIAA program in Carrollton during the 2007-08 season, where he earned his first career win against Calvary Christian of Columbus. At the time, milestones were the furthest thing from his mind.
“I was just focused on learning the job and keeping a job,” Williams said. “Looking back now, it’s humbling to see how far the journey has gone.”
He also coached at GIAA Brandon Hall in Powder Springs and Woodville-Tompkins in Savannah prior to his arrival at Ware County.
Williams has remained committed to the same foundational pillars — structure, accountability, discipline, passion and trust. He has also been intentional about surrounding himself with assistants who share a commitment not just to basketball, but to players, families, and the broader community.
On Christmas Eve, while many were unplugging for the holidays, Williams was studying Hilton Head Island film, the Gators’ first opponent (December 27) in Brunswick Christmas Tournament.
“It’s the result of countless hours in the gym, watching film, lessons learned through adversity, and a steady commitment to the grind day in and day out,” Williams said.
The grind has evolved. Nearly 20 years on the sideline has given Williams a front-row seat to a changing game and changing players.
Each generation has required him to adapt — to listen more, to learn and to lead differently.
“Over time, they have shaped me to set the standard, be the standard and lead by example,” he said.
The core mission has never shifted. Beyond wins and losses, Williams measures success by the impact he has on young people long after they leave the hardwood.
Discipline. Accountability. Teamwork. Resilience. Life lessons meant to endure.
“I enjoy teaching the game I grew up playing and sharing that passion with players,” Williams said. “Every day I’m around basketball, it gives me a chance to teach, build, and help myself and others grow — not just the players.”
The influences that shaped him remain close. His uncle, Jonathan Williams, first taught him the game and the responsibility that comes with it.
His grandmother has been a steady voice of clarity during moments of mental strain. Longtime Athens Christian Academy coach Ron Link, a 46-year veteran, impressed upon him the importance of trusting the work and doing the little things right, even when no one is watching.
“Let your work speak for itself, and grow on and off the court,” he said. “Be willing to collaborate and learn from others. Study yourself and the profession.
“Pay attention to the small details and do the little things consistently, because those habits shape your culture, your credibility, and your long-term success.”
