PULASKI, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee Southern Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Brandie Paul is proud to announce the hiring of Michael Williams as the Head Clay Target Coach for the Firehawks.

Williams brings over a decade of coaching experience to UT Southern, having served from 2011–2022 with the Marshall County Hawkeyes in the Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program. During that time, he coached athletes from the elementary through high school levels, guiding them to success in American Trap, American Skeet, and Sporting Clays. Under his leadership, the Hawkeyes earned multiple local, regional, and statewide awards.
"Sporting clays has always been my favorite discipline because of the variety and challenge it presents," Williams shared. "It requires athletes to adapt to different target types, course layouts, and presentations. Helping young athletes develop the skills and confidence to excel in these situations has been one of the most rewarding parts of my coaching journey."

Williams' coaching background is supported by extensive certifications, including NRA Shotgun Level 1, Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) coaching credentials, and the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) Double-Goal Coach certification, which emphasizes developing athletes both in sport and in life. In addition, he holds American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, which includes CPR, ventilation, and choking procedures for all ages.

Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Brandie Paul expressed excitement about the addition, stating:
"Michael is a tremendous fit for our clay target program. His years of experience, passion for the sport, and commitment to developing athletes on and off the field will help continue to build something special here at UT Southern."

Williams will immediately begin preparations for the upcoming season as the Firehawks continue to expand their presence in clay target competition.

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