For Coach Leatrice Williams, Irving ISD isn’t just where he works – it’s where his journey has unfolded.
From the classroom to the basketball court, and from campus security to coaching, Williams has served in nearly every corner of the district. He began his career with Irving ISD as a guest educator, later becoming a campus security officer at MacArthur High School. He then joined the district’s paint crew before returning to the classroom as a special education teacher and interim head coach at Houston Middle School.
Most recently, Williams made his way back to Irving High, where he serves as a Special Education Inclusion English teacher. This school year, his story comes full circle as he takes on a new challenge: leading the Irving High School boys basketball program.
“It means everything that I stayed the course” says Williams. “I never stopped believing and finished where I started.”
A proud military veteran who served 10 years in the armed forces, Williams credits his diverse path – in both education and service – for shaping his leadership philosophy.
“I’ve seen both sides of the coin, and it taught me to treat everybody with fairness and kindness,” says Williams. “I try to learn something new each day – from my peers, from those above me and those alongside me.”
Williams’s goals as head coach go beyond building a strong basketball team. He hopes to help every student-athlete reach their potential, both off and on the court.
“Not every kid is going to get a college scholarship for sports, but I can help every kid earn one for their grades,” he says.
His commitment to serving others shines through in his community involvement. Each year, Williams organizes a holiday toy drive, collecting and delivering more than 300 toys and at least 100 board games to local elementary schools.
“Board games create family time,” explains Williams. “It’s about bringing people together.”
As he prepares for the upcoming season, Williams looks forward to leading with unity and purpose.
“We are one and together,” he says. “We’re going to run as one, participate as one and be successful as one.”
When asked what advice he’d share with others hoping to grow within Irving ISD, Williams says, “Set a plan and don’t run from ‘difficult.’ Face it and have a plan to overcome it.”
