SAN ANTONIO – UTSA Soccer has hired Ben Williams as the new associate head coach, announced head coach Derek Pittman. Williams joins the Roadrunners after two years at Miami (OH), including the most recent season as the associate coach for the RedHawks.
"Ben Williams is a big time hire for UTSA Soccer," stated Pittman. "I am absolutely thrilled to have a coach of his caliber joining our program and even more important is the man of character he is to continue investing in our players. We recruit high character, hardworking, highly competitive players and our staff is no different. Ben fits into our UTSADNA and what we are building here within UTSA soccer perfectly. Not only is he a proven winner that can coach players at the highest level, he is also a tremendous recruiter that is very familiar with Texas talent and has ties into key markets we aim to attract players from. I can't wait to get Hailey and Ben to the 2-1-0 so we can show them how amazing UTSA and San Antonio support our championship women's soccer program."
Williams spent the past two seasons at Miami (OH), joining the team as an assistant coach in 2021 before being elevated to the associate job in 2022. While working with the RedHawks, he helped lead them to their most wins since 2016 in both seasons. He also helped coach Miami (OH) to eight All Mid-American Conference honors in the past two seasons.
Before joining the RedHawks, Williams was the Girls' ECNL Director and Coach at Albion Hurricanes FC since July 2017, while also working as the AHFC Royals WPSL as a head coach.
In his time with Albion Hurricanes FC, the club was top-ranked and highest ranking of 30th, having 90 athletes recruited into the college ranks during his tenure. He also mentored multiple youth and full national team players, including players for the United States, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Scotland, South Africa, and Mexico.
Prior to the Albion Hurricanes, Williams first coached in the college ranks as a volunteer assistant coach at Oklahoma State University from 2015-2017. While in Stillwater, he helped the Cowgirls to two Big 12 Tournament Appearances and a 2016 NCAA Tournament appearance.
The Liverpool, England, native graduated from Oklahoma Wesleyan in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in exercise science. He played all four years for the Eagles, winning three regular season conference championships and two conference tournament championships. Oklahoma Wesleyan went to four national tournaments and made it to the Elite 8 in his junior year. Williams also played two seasons in the Premier Development League for Vermont Voltage. He holds a USSF A License, NSCAA Premier License, NSCAA Level 3 Goalkeeping Diploma.
Williams is replacing Brock Duckworth, who spent the past two seasons with UTSA but departed for another opportunity. In the past two seasons, Duckworth helped lead the Roadrunners to double-digit wins in both 2021 and 2022. His leadership was a huge factor of UTSA's 2022 Conference USA Championship and first NCAA Tournament appearance in 12 years.
Pittman on Brock Duckworth's departure:
"It's never easy losing a top-quality coach from your staff and even harder when you consider that person a close friend as well. Brock took a chance on us and came to UTSA in a tough time in 2021. He helped our players immensely and provided the energy and enthusiasm we needed at that time to help guide us to the two best seasons in our program's history, including a Conference USA title. I am very thankful for all Brock has done for UTSA Soccer. Heather, Harper and Brock will be dearly missed and we wish them all the best in Florida."
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