When I called Union alum Coach Sandra Williams to interview her for this piece, she picked up the phone and said, “Is that you, Rachel?” in a warm, excited tone. I had Coach Williams for PEWS freshman year, and after seeing her in chapel one day last semester, we ended up getting coffee in Barefoots one fall afternoon.
Williams has a heart for her students, and I could tell this even more so that afternoon in Barefoots. She asked how she could pray for me, and months later when I called her for this interview, she inquired about my prayer request, checking in on what I had asked for prayer for.
Williams has been involved with Union since the days of the old campus, having graduated in 1965 and returning to coach the tennis team. She has coached for Union since 1983 and coached the tennis team for almost 20 years. Because of her extended period of involvement at Union, Williams has taught children and even grandchildren of some of her original tennis players.
Since Williams was unable to have children of her own, she has treated her students as such. Williams quoted a passage from the book of Isaiah and explained that she has gained so much from knowing her students.
“It’s been a blessing to my life to know my students and be challenged by them,” said Williams.
When teaching, Williams wants to empower her students to take care of their bodies not only because of the health benefits, but also because their bodies are a temple of the Lord. Williams uses her faith in the classroom every day, hoping to reach her students through physical education and wellness as well as speaking from the heart.
“If I am to share something, I want to be led by the Holy Spirit at that time,” said Williams.
Williams wears her heart on her sleeve in the best way possible, and multiple times during class she has shed tears, overwhelmed by the grace of God in His sacrifice of Jesus Christ for us.
“I remember how genuine she could be,” said junior nursing major Audrey Steffens, a former student of Williams. “It was very evident how dearly she loved the Lord when she got emotional in class. Her kindness and vulnerability was really a testament to the sweetness of a deep relationship with Christ.”
In this season, Williams is hurting for the lost time with her current students.
“It’s the relationships with the students that brings me so much joy,” said Williams. “I am so disappointed by this semester. I did not get to know them as well.”
However, Williams still puts her trust in the One who matters and is in control always.
“I’m not disheartened or discouraged. I’m just seeing Him at work,” said Williams.
She has seen the changes that have taken place at Union throughout her years here, but what matters has stayed the same, even through this trying time.
“What Union stood for then is the same as we stand for now,” said Williams.
Photo courtesy of Justin Veneman, The Union Photo Project
