Michael Williams was named the Head Clay Target Coach at the University of Tennessee Southern in 2025, bringing over a decade of experience developing student-athletes in competitive shooting sports.
Before joining UT Southern, Williams spent 11 years (2011–2022) coaching with the Marshall County Hawkeyes in the Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program (TNSCTP). During his tenure, he worked with athletes at every level, from elementary school through high school, and helped guide the program to numerous local, regional, and statewide awards.
Williams coached all three major disciplines in competitive shooting — American Trap, American Skeet, and Sporting Clays — helping athletes refine their skills across each. While his teams found success in all three, Williams developed a particular passion for sporting clays, noting its unique challenges in course layouts, target variety, and shot presentations.
Williams holds several notable certifications, including NRA Shotgun Level 1 credentials, Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) coaching certification, and the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) Double-Goal Coach certification, which focuses on developing athletes both on the field and in life. He is also certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association, receiving specialized training in CPR, effective ventilation, and choking procedures for all ages.
Williams is committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment for his athletes while emphasizing personal growth, competitive success, and lifelong lessons through sport. He begins his tenure at UT Southern with a focus on elevating the Firehawks’ clay target program and building a championship culture.
