During her high school career, Williams led LaGrange to two Class AAAA state titles and was named the most valuable player of the 1985 Georgia All-Star game.

[10] After graduating from UGA in 1989, Williams competed in professional basketball in Spain, but was encouraged by Jerry Legge to return to her alma mater to complete a Master's degree of Public Administration.

After five years in this role, she moved to Florida State University (FSU) when her husband accepted a job there, taking a pay cut to work an entry-level position in the student services office.

[3] During her time at FSU, Williams also completed her doctorate in sports administration and volunteered for the Florida State Seminoles Director of Athletics Dave Hart in several areas in the department including radio and television broadcasts.

[15][16] She began her tenure at the institution by announcing The Master Plan, a project to "address the immediate needs to upgrade facilities for the Cavalier football program and UVA Olympic Sports.

"[17] In recognition of her efforts, Williams received UGA's Bill Hartman Award as someone who has "demonstrated excellence in their profession and/or in service to others by 20 or more years of superior performance after graduation.