The USF community mourns the loss of Larry Williams, who passed away the morning of Oct. 16 while working out in the War Memorial Gym. Williams was 62 at the time of his death and was serving as the University’s athletic director since 2022.
President Salvador D. Aceves announced the news later in the afternoon in an email addressed to the school. “Our prayers go out to Larry’s wife, Laura, their children, Kristin, Sean, Scott, Eric, and Louis, their families, and his grandchildren,” Aceves wrote. “My thoughts and prayers also go to the university’s 250 student-athletes and all of the coaches and staff under Larry’s skillful watch.”
Born in Orange, Calif. in 1963, Williams earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Notre Dame, while being awarded All-American honors twice as an offensive lineman before getting drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 10th round of the 1985 NFL Draft. Between 1986-1992, Williams played a total of 61 NFL games, sharing stints with the Browns, New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots.
Williams continued his education during his professional career, earning a J.D. at the University of San Diego School of Law in 1992 and then worked five years as an associate attorney under Baker and Daniels. Williams began his athletics directing career with the University of Portland in 2004.
He spent time as an athletic director at Marquette University and the University of Akron before making his way to the Hilltop.
Upon his arrival at USF, Williams said, “I am extremely excited to help build upon the university’s storied achievements and the opportunity to guide the holistic development of the Dons student athletes in the Jesuit tradition of pursuing excellence in all things, which is especially important to me.”
Senior women’s track and field runner Saffy Priester-Veasley said, “Larry was more than just an athletic director. He was a great listener, a great leader, simply exceptional. He didn’t just care about sports; he cared about people. I could always turn to him for anything, big or small.”
She continued, “Larry and I were friends for three years, and this past winter break, my mom visited San Francisco, and he asked to meet her. We ended up chatting for two hours on New Year’s Day. That’s just the kind of guy he was; he made everyone feel important.”
Stephanie Shrieve-Hawkins, now the Interim Athletic Director, said in an email to the Foghorn, “Working with Larry, I couldn’t help but be inspired by his competitive nature, confident decision making, and authentic kindness, grounded in faith-based compassion. He made others better through his infectious personality, outer and inner strength, and practical ‘no nonsense’ motivation. He was a leader who empowered those he worked with. I am truly blessed and grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside him.”
Throughout his time at USF, Williams brought a winner’s mindset that was contagious and inspired those to think the same. “Larry wanted to win. Plain and simple,” Men’s baseball Head Coach Rob DiToma said.
DiToma explained a specific memory last year when the baseball team was heading into their third game in a series against Santa Clara. The team won the first game Friday night but got crushed 13-0 the following day. The next morning around 7 a.m., DiToma and Williams were the only ones in the athletics building.
“He walked in, in his commanding but gentle way, looked at me and said ‘this is a big game Rob.’ And he walked out,” DiToma said.
“And I think this is exactly who Larry was as a leader. He wanted you to know that he was watching and he was with you in the fight, but he was also wanting you to understand that we are here to win. We won 5-3 that Sunday and I could not be more proud to get back to campus Sunday night.”
Memorial and honorary services for Williams are still yet to be announced by the University. With the loss of Williams, Dons athletics promotes deputy athletics director for administration and facilities Shrieve-Hawkins to direct athletics.
Regarding her status of taking over as interim athletic director, Shrieve-Hawkins said, “I am privileged to carry forward the positive momentum toward increased success, visibility, and a culture of integrity that Larry envisioned for the athletics department. Together, we shared a vision grounded in service to the students, department coaches and staff, and the entire USF community through sound character and excellence. Dons Athletics will deeply miss Larry and will honor him as we continue to uphold our values as I help steer the department forward, holding his soul and his wife Laura and their entire family in our hearts.”
