CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah University athletic department and director of athletics Debbie Corum have announced the hiring of Don Don Williams as the new head coach of the Thunderbird softball program.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome Don Don to Cedar City, and can't wait to see where she takes this program," Corum said. "She is very deserving of this position and has had an incredibly decorated career to this point, and we expect nothing but for that to continue as a head coach here at Southern Utah." 

While in the Scenic West Athletic Conference, Williams coached 53 All-Region players and led teams to two consecutive Region 18 championships, earning them automatic berths to the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series. Williams led teams to two national tournaments. In 2007, the Cardinals earned the highest team finish in the history of the NIC softball program, earning runners-up at the NJCAA National Tournament as her and her staff were named the 2007 National Fastpitch Coaches Association Western Region Coaching Staff of the Year Award.

In 2015, North Idaho transferred into the Northwest Athletic Conference, becoming eligible for championships in 2016. In 2018, the Cardinals brought home their first NWAC Championship and a season record of 50-3 to seal a program record for season wins. Since transitioning into the NWAC, the Cardinals have posted a 157-39 record. Williams has collected 661 total wins leading the Cardinals and has coached 5 NFCA All-Americans since 2016 including NWAC Player of the Year, Madi Mott in 2018. Williams earned NWAC East Region Coach of Year in 2016 & 2018 and her staff was named National Fastpitch Coaching Staff of the Year for the NWAC in 2018.

Her education-first approach has resulted in 10 individual NJCAA Academic All-Americans and six Academic All-American teams.

"I am thankful for the opportunity Debbie Corum has given me to lead this softball program. I believe the vision of the administration will take the program to the next level," Williams said. "I couldn't be more excited to get on the field and get to work with the players. I have been fortunate enough to be at North Idaho for 22 years and build a nationally recognized program. I intend to bring that same mentality to Southern Utah and grow the championship culture."

Williams played softball at Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. She received both All-Conference and All-District honors and graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology/sociology in 1991. She earned a master's degree in adult/organizational learning and leadership in 2009 from the University of Idaho.

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