Today we’d like to introduce you to Dashia “Coach Dee” Williams.
Hi Dashia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My Godfather (Theron Carr) introduced the game of basketball to me at the age of 8. I started out playing in a city league girls team (Stringers) through the Police Athletic League in Jacksonville, FL. At this time, girls playing basketball was not common.
We pressed through the stigma that girls are not equipped to play any male dominant sports, by playing on any court that my Godfather decided would be good for us to prove that we can and we had what it took! With his guidance and with the camaraderie of my teammates we accomplished winning several City Championships, 2 State Championships, and 1 National Championship by the age of 14.
In the midst of playing city ball, I played for my middle school St. Pius V Catholic School (Mustangs) from 5-8th grade. There, I became a part of an awesome tradition of defending the Diocese of St. Augustine Championship 3x in a row! Earned the MVP title in my 8th-grade year!
The amount of confidence and support that was instilled in me from my parents, family, friends, and coaches were the key components that molded the drive and determination in continuing my basketball journey beyond City league. Entering my high-school years, I started out at Robert E. Lee what is now called Riverside Highschool. There I gained more understanding of the game and developed more as a player under the awesome leadership of Derrell Johnson.
In my freshman year, I gained the honor along with my fellow teammates earning the title of District Champs of 04-05. In 06, life decided it was time for me to transfer across the water to Terry Parker high-school. There, I played and faced the brick wall of should I continue to keep playing. The following year, we received a new coach (Racheal Freeman and her amazing Assistant Coach Nightingale). I must say it was a breath of fresh air to be coached by women! The passion these women exalted on the court touched each of their players in a way that bettered our lives on and off the court.
We did not win any huge awards but I gained the title of team Captain and a true understanding of being a Student-Athlete. Once I graduated in 07, I was blessed to receive a FULL scholarship for basketball at Darton College a JUCCO college in Albany, GA. There, I worked to make 1st team my freshman year, by my Sophomore year we worked hard to receive the title of District Champs ending the year with a 10-0 record. After I completed my 2 years, I transferred to the University of Alabama at Birmingham(UAB) where I had plans to walk on to play DI.
In the midst of my plans, God’s plans were greater. I became pregnant with my beautiful son (Chase), who is now 12 years old, also now following in his parent’s footsteps. We moved back to Jacksonville, FL in 2013. For a while, I tried to push the game out of my mind and life to focus on raising my son and attempting to live the “American Dream”. The game of Basketball would not release me. Once I returned to my hometown word got out, and I started assisting my middle school coach (Battle) with the school’s girl’s team.
I then ran into another open door, an AAU team needed help, and I walked right into the opportunity. After the season ended..My passion was stirred even more to get involved with youth sports. I resigned from my current job at the time and accepted the offer to be a Program Manager for a non-profit here in Jax Fl. I managed a program that advised and mentored at risk youth from the ages of 13-18. The program allowed me to get my feet wet in seeing the need for our youth to have a productive after-school environment well pass elementary school. On the job training at its finest I will say. I was honored to network with some awesome agencies to arrange free life skill classes for the teens to attend. The best part every teen that attended a week was granted to play basketball. In our sessions we worked on fundamentals, teamwork, respect, and trust. The program was resolved but I believe the impact was for a life time for alot of the teens that participated.
Only believing in the move of God, I reached out to the owner Ronnell Durante and shared my excitement about the team coming to Jacksonville. I was only looking to volunteer as an Athletic Trainer. Once we scheduled a meet and greet the conversation rolled around to my basketball history. I explained my basketball journey and secs later Mr. Durante which is also the Head Coach of The Jacksonville Force, offered me the position of Assistant Coach. I excitedly accepted the offer, not knowing this level of basketball.
I was nervous and a bit scared. 1 minute I’m coaching city league the next I’m coaching these amazing women on this national platform. This past year was nothing but GOD! In my 1st year in coaching in the Women’s American Basketball Association (WABA) league, along with the 1st year the team entered the WABA. We went on to win our 1st District Championship title for the 21 conferences as well as Winning our 1st National Championship title.
Together we made history for women’s basketball in the city of Jacksonville, FL.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This journey was not smooth by far lol.
I faced relocating, job changes, the loss of my mother, raising a growing son, COVID, financial hardships, and transportation issues. But I kept the promise that God gave me to the forefront of my mind to persevere.
You name it I have experienced it to arrive at the place I am today.
We’ve been impressed with The Jacksonville Force, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Jacksonville Force is North Florida’s 1st Semi-Pro Women’s basketball team. We are registered in the Women’s American Basketball Association (WABA) league.
I am the assistant basketball coach to the respected Ronnell Durante. The Force has already made a lane of our own. We recently received acknowledgment from the City of Jacksonville which presented The Jacksonville Force with a Resolution for the National win for the 2021 season.
I’m most proud of our players. Creating The Jacksonville Force we aim to motivate and encourage our players to go as high as the basketball road will lead them. In saying that more than 5 of our players have received coaching jobs, and offers to play overseas.
The Jacksonville Force is encouraging all readers and potential sponsors to come out and enjoy the basketball atmosphere. Our games are family-friendly events consumed with good food, vibes, and plenty of excitement. We are also gearing up to give back to the community by hosting Basketball skills training camps for girls and boys this upcoming summer.
We are looking to inspire youth through the game of basketball by providing life skills, mental support, and confidence for their daily lives.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to Believe in You!!!
I can hear my late mother now WHY NOT YOU? No matter how much I compared myself to other players, no matter how much I told myself that I wasn’t good enough or educated enough. God has shown me why me!
Believe in yourself and no matter how little belief you may have in a dream you’re still equipped for the Purpose!!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: jacksonvilleforce.com
- Instagram: @jax.forcewaba
- Facebook: The Jacksonville Force
