Honoring a Life of Leadership, Integrity, and Lasting Impact Beyond the NBA Courts
As Final Four weekend celebrates the very best in college basketball, it also honors those whose impact transcends the court. This year, former NBA player, coach, and executive Monty Williams was recognized with the prestigious Coach Wooden “Keys to Life” Award, presented annually by Athletes in Action.
The Coach Wooden “Keys to Life” Award is not about wins and losses—it’s about the deeper legacy a coach or player leaves behind. Named after the legendary John Wooden, the award honors individuals who exemplify character, leadership, and integrity in their homes, on the court, and throughout the community. Williams’ life and career have been a blueprint of those very values.
Williams’ résumé is both impressive and inspiring. After a standout college career at Notre Dame—where he averaged 22.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game as a senior in 1993–94 and earned All-American honorable mention—he was drafted 24th overall by the New York Knicks. His NBA playing career spanned from 1994 to 2003, suiting up for the Knicks, Spurs, Nuggets, Magic, and 76ers.
Williams transitioned seamlessly into coaching, beginning with a head coaching role for the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans from 2010–2015, where he led the team to two playoff appearances. He later served as an assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers before taking the reins in Phoenix. With the Suns, Williams orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, leading the team to the 2021 NBA Finals and earning NBA Coach of the Year honors in 2022. His most recent NBA stop was with the Detroit Pistons (2023–2024) before he made a life-changing move.
Today, Monty Williams is back on the sidelines—but in a different setting. Now serving as the head coach of the boys’ basketball team at TMI Episcopal in San Antonio, Williams has taken on a role that’s personal and profound: coaching his sons and mentoring young athletes. Fittingly, TMI Episcopal was also recognized during the award ceremony, further highlighting the deep connections Williams builds wherever he goes.
The Keys to Life breakfast—part of the Final Four weekend festivities—was a celebration not just of basketball excellence, but of lives well-lived. The event, known for its memorable banter, humor, and heartwarming stories, provided the perfect backdrop to honor a man who represents the best of the game on and off the court.
With a career record of 381-404 over 10 NBA seasons, a Finals appearance, a Coach of the Year award, and now the Coach Wooden “Keys to Life” Award, Monty Williams’ story is a testament that true greatness isn’t measured by rings, banners, or trophies—but by the impact you leave on the lives of others.
Congratulations to Coach Williams on this well-deserved honor!
Cheers & GO IRISH!