Cabrini High School is proud to announce the appointment of Erica Williams as Head Coach of the Crescents’ volleyball program. A proven leader with a record of competitive success, program building, and faith-centered mentorship, Williams brings a dynamic vision for athlete development and sustained excellence to Cabrini.
Williams arrives at Cabrini as one of the Northshore’s most respected volleyball coaches, with more than a decade of impact across club and high school volleyball. Since returning to the South in 2012, she has built a reputation for elevating programs and cultivating competitive cultures grounded in accountability, discipline, and faith.
In 2014, Williams founded the Northshore’s first modern collegiate prep volleyball program, building Southern Elite Training Academy into a decade-long standard of excellence. Under her leadership, Southern Elite has graduated multiple collegiate volleyball athletes and earned recognition for technical excellence, competitive preparation, and holistic athlete development.
At the high school level, Williams has guided teams to district championships and deep playoff runs over the past three seasons as a head coach. She also served as an assistant coach on a state championship runner-up team in 2022. Her coaching philosophy of earned, not given consistently translates into competitive success while developing confident, resilient young women.
Williams currently serves on the Louisiana Volleyball Coaches Association Board, where she contributes to the advancement of the sport through coaching collaboration, athlete advocacy, and statewide growth initiatives.
“My coaching philosophy centers on leadership development- helping athletes grow into confident leaders, supportive teammates, and bold young women grounded in faith and belief,” Williams said. “Volleyball is a powerful tool for teaching discipline, resilience, and purpose.”
Regarding Cabrini’s strong tradition of forming leaders, Williams added:
“I’m incredibly excited about the young talent already within the Cabrini volleyball program. These athletes are hungry, capable, and ready to grow, and I look forward to helping them maximize their potential together.”
Williams also praised Cabrini’s recently announced multimillion-dollar renovations to its gymnasium, weight room, and locker facilities.
“The facility renovations reflect Cabrini’s commitment to excellence. Creating an environment where athletes feel supported, prepared, and proud of where they train is a powerful foundation for success.”
Her connection to Cabrini extends beyond athletics.
“Cabrini feels like home,” Williams said. “My Catholic faith shapes how I lead, how I serve, and how I coach. This community’s commitment to faith, formation, and excellence aligns deeply with who I am and why I coach.”
A Slidell native, Williams was a standout multi-sport athlete at Slidell High School, where she earned four varsity letters and established herself as a leader on and off the court. She was a three-time district honoree, served as team captain, and was recognized as both Offensive MVP and Overall Team MVP during her high school career.
Williams continued her volleyball career at Shippensburg University, competing at the NCAA Division II level in one of the nation’s most demanding conferences. Balancing elite athletic competition with academic excellence, she earned Conference All-Academic Team honors throughout her collegiate career, reflecting the discipline, leadership, and time management that now define her coaching approach.
Beyond the court, Williams brings exceptional professional and community leadership to Cabrini. She holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of New Orleans and completed a fellowship at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law’s Nancy Marsiglia Institute. She has spent more than a decade advancing lifesaving care as a hospital administrator and currently serves as State Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association, helping shape statewide health policy.
A recognized leader in health and community impact, Williams was named the 2023 American Heart Association Woman of Impact and a 2019 New Orleans CityBusiness Woman of the Year Honoree. A small business owner and wellness advocate, her work has focused on athlete safety, sudden cardiac arrest prevention, and advancing women’s and maternal health through education and prevention. Williams’ career reflects a lifelong commitment to service, mentorship, and empowering young women to become confident, capable leaders, making her a transformative addition to the Cabrini High School community.