Mark Williamson loves coaching. He loves getting to know his students and athletes, and developing good relationships with them.

“[I’m going to miss] the interaction with the students,” Williamson said.

Williamson has been teaching for 31 years. He has taught three years of middle school physical education, 13 years of elementary school physical education, and 15 years at Starr’s Mill. 

Williamson has coached softball, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, girls basketball, flag football, wrestling, and baseball. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, his master’s degree from the University of Alabama, and his specialist’s degree from Lincoln Memorial.

“I think [teaching] just makes you see individuals for who they are and makes you accept them for who they are,” Williamson said. “It just makes you wanna help people more.

After retirement, Williamson plans to travel and play pickleball with his wife. He also hopes to come back to coach.

Williamson wants his legacy to be that he enjoyed his job and tried to help people become better in a sport and life.

Williamson cannot pinpoint a change he would make to Starr’s Mill, but said, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Starr’s Mill gives a warm goodbye to Mark Williamson for his 15 years of service and dedication to the Panther family.