DETROIT (11/16/2023) -- On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the beginning of the University of Detroit Mercy's basketball home opener, Council Member Angela Calloway will present the prestigious Spirit of Detroit Award to men's basketball assistant coach Jerica Williams for her outstanding achievement in becoming the program's first-ever female men's assistant coach.
 
The Spirit of Detroit Award is issued by the Detroit City Council to a person, event, or organization deemed to have performed an outstanding achievement or service to the citizens of Detroit.
 
Coach Williams embodies the Spirit of Detroit. She made history by becoming the first and only female assistant coach in NCAA Division I men's basketball, and she has maintained a standard of excellence as a coach and player throughout her basketball career. Coach Williams has worked with top talent, including four-time NBA Championship winner Stephen Curry. Prior to her role at the University of Detroit Mercy, she was the girls' basketball head coach at Detroit Country Day from 2020-2022. There, she was named Coach of the Year in her first two years as a head coach, and she led her team to back-to-back MSHAA Final Fours.
 
"Coach Jerica Williams is a history maker. Becoming the first woman ever to be a men's basketball assistant coach in the NCAA Division I is no small feat, and we are so proud of her," said Council Member Calloway. "I'm overjoyed that the University of Detroit Mercy chose her for this role, and I know she will be an inspiration to young women everywhere."
 
Council Member Calloway and the entire Detroit City Council commend Coach Williams for her hard work and her amazing accomplishments.