Tyjee Williams, or Coach Ty as his players call him, has been an essential part of the St. Luke’s football program for the past two years. But only recently has he ascended to the role of head football coach.

Coach Ty began his football career with the Clifton New Jersey Jr. Mustangs at age eleven. He didn’t truly fall in love with the sport, however, until he began playing defensive back at Passaic County Tech (PCTI) in Wayne, NJ. 

In his freshman and sophomore years, playing time didn’t come easy. PCTI was filled with talented players from all over Passaic County. Having one or two bad practices meant losing your spot. You had to be “on your A-Game 24-7” said Williams. 

As William’s got older, he began to see more and more recognition from his coaches and teammates. He was elected team captain, was named to the All-conference first team, an All-county second team, and his team was Big North Conference Champions. Coach Ty learned being a part of a football team meant being a family. Coach Ty felt that even in a difficult high school environment, his “teammates/brothers” were always there for him. 

William’s success in high school landed him an academic and athletic football contract with New Haven University (UNH). UNH had tons of extremely talented players. Once again, finding a consistent starting job would be an uphill battle. As the years went on, he became a major contributor to his team. In his time at UNH, he learned that “everything you do, no matter how small, matters.” 

After graduating, Williams began working for Children’s Community Program of CT in New Haven as a life coach. Williams also got the opportunity to play for Connecticut Mustangs of the East Coast Football League for two years.

 In the midst of playing, he began coaching the Tri-City Youth Wolfpack, a youth tackle football team in Hamden, Connecticut. His team went undefeated in his first season but lost in the championship game. 

After that season, Williams went on to Graduate School at Southern Connecticut State to receive a masters degree in School Counseling and Guidance Services.

After receiving his masters degree in 2022, Williams began working as a school counselor at SLS as well as the Assistant Head Football Coach. 

Coach Ty’s first two years of SLS football were “rough.” Through two years, their record was 3-12 and their point differential was -369. He considered those years as growing ones for himself. From Coach Thomas, SLS head football coach from 2012 until 2022, he learned to always pay attention to the details and to care about the little things. From Coach Matt, the head coach during the 2023 season, he learned to stay organized and to trust the process. 

After the departure of Coach Matt, St. Luke’s appointed Coach Ty. Going into this year’s season, Coach Ty hoped to emulate the values of his high school team by fostering a family-like atmosphere, on and off the field. Williams said that “developing trust and relationships with your players” is the most important thing for him as a coach. 

Coach Ty is “living his dream” as the SLS football’s Head Coach. This season, however, will be more of a building year. The team doesn’t look exactly like how he may want it but he has been making sure that his players “trust the process.” However, Coach Ty believes the team is on an upward trajectory and he is excited for the journey. On October 19th, SLS will play Capital Preparatory Harlem School on Homecoming and Coach Ty hopes everyone will show up to support.