University of North Carolina Asheville is mourning the loss of its head track and field coach, Joel Williams, who passed away on February 7, 2026, following a battle with cancer. Williams had served the program for more than 18 years, elevating it through coaching achievements and mentorship. His legacy extends beyond athletics, touching the lives of students and the broader community.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The University of North Carolina Asheville announced the death of head track and field coach Joel Williams on February 9, 2026. Williams, who had been with the Bulldogs for over 18 years, succumbed to cancer on Saturday, February 7, after a courageous fight.
Williams began his tenure at UNC Asheville more than 18 years ago, spending 13 seasons as an assistant coach before his promotion to head coach in 2020. Under his guidance, the program achieved significant success: he coached more than 100 athletes to all-conference honors and led the team to 12 appearances at the NCAA National Championships.
Prior to joining UNC Asheville, Williams coached at Watauga High School, where he directed the girls' outdoor track program to three consecutive titles from 1995 to 1997 and secured the 1997 girls' indoor championship. Notably, two of his athletes from that era competed in the Olympics: Abraham Morlu represented Liberia in the 2000 Sydney Games, and Brenda Taylor placed seventh in the women's 400-meter hurdles at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone praised Williams' profound influence. "The impact that Joel made on our university extends far beyond wins, records and championships," she said. "He was a man of deep character who led with humility, integrity and a genuine love for his student-athletes. Joel had a rare ability to make everyone around him better, and his presence will be profoundly missed across our campus and within the track and field community."
Williams was renowned for his passion in teaching technique, his relentless pursuit of knowledge, and his belief in sport's transformative power. He built lasting relationships, acting as a mentor and advocate for his athletes' success on and off the track.
"Joel's legacy will live on through the countless young men and women he influenced, the culture he helped build, and the standards of excellence he set for our program," Cone added. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, alumni, and the many student-athletes and coaches who respected, admired and loved him."
Details on memorial arrangements will be shared when available.
