Blake Colston
sports@piedmontnewsonline.com
It’s time for a new season in Kory Williams’ life.
For now, that won’t include coaching high school baseball. Williams resigned as head coach in Piedmont last week after eight seasons as head coach and 11 years on the coaching staff.
“It’s something I’ve thought about and battled, realistically, for a long time,” Williams said. “I’ve prayed about it and God told me it was time to step away. I’m ready to enjoy my family and have more energy for them.”
Piedmont athletics announced the move on its Twitter account while thanking Williams for his service.
“Thank you coach Kory Williams for eight outstanding years at the helm of Wildcat Baseball,” the post read. “Great role model, excellent coach, and most important, an outstanding person. We are sad to see you step down, but family always comes first.”
Williams, 38, has three children, Kade, 15, Kruz, 4 and Kopeland, 1. His wife Morgan is a Piedmont native. Still, it wasn’t an choice to step down.
“It was hard. I love Piedmont baseball,” he said. “Our administration is great, our parents are great and I love our kids. We had good kids coming back.”
The passion he had for the job early in his career had faded, though, which solidified his decision.
“Early in my career I was consumed with the game,” he said. “But I can’t give it what it needs to be successful anymore.”
After taking over for Brent Antwine in 2010, in eight seasons as head coach, Williams went 187-119 with three state tournament appearances – two consecutive – and a state title game appearance in 2016. The back-to-back trips to state were the first in program history.
Williams said he considers Piedmont a Top 10 job in Class 5A now.
“Coach Antwine really helped make baseball important here in Piedmont,” Williams said. “He laid the foundation for what we were able to accomplish.”
Williams plans to stay on as transportation director in the school district and didn’t completely rule out a return to coaching, but said he’s set with his decision for now.
“I love coaching and I love being around the kids,” he said. “I may get back into and I may never. I honestly can’t say if I’m done for good.”
A search for Williams’ replacement is underway and Williams has already pledged his support to whomever Piedmont chooses as its new coach.
“I want to do what’s best for the program. I’ll do whatever I can do to help,” Williams said. “I love the community and want to see the baseball program be successful going forward.”
