USF Mourns Loss of Athletic Director Larry Williams
USF Athletic Director Larry Williams passed away early Oct. 16 while working out at War Memorial Gym at the Sobrato Center on campus. He was 62.
“Our prayers go out to Larry’s wife, Laura, their children, Kristin, Sean, Scott, Eric, and Louis, their families, and his grandchildren,” said President Salvador D. Aceves ’83, EdD ’95.
“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,” Aceves said.
Stephanie Shrieve-Hawkins, USF’s deputy athletics director for administration and facilities since August 2024, has been named interim athletic director.
Williams was named USF athletic director on Aug. 31, 2022. At the time, he said, “USF represents to me the almost perfect combination of things I cherish. No. 1, it’s the Catholic identity. No. 2, it’s the deep educational mission. And No. 3, it’s athletic participation in an environment that very specifically includes 1 and 2. At this point in my career, there’s almost a vocational element to what I do here at USF.”
Born in Orange County, California, Williams graduated from the University of Notre Dame, where he was a two-time All-American football player. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns out of Notre Dame, he played for eight years with the NFL, including stints with the New Orleans Saints and the New England Patriots. While he was competing in the NFL, he earned a law degree from the University of San Diego. After retiring from pro football in 1993, he practiced law for the Indianapolis-based law firm of Baker & Daniels, before returning to Notre Dame in 1999 to work on licensing and product marketing. He began his career as an athletic director at University of Portland in 2004.
Williams was particularly proud of his family. All of his children graduated from Jesuit high schools and all were college athletes like their father and mother.
Students, faculty, and staff are reminded that there are resources available on campus during this difficult time. The university provides counseling services for students through CAPS. For immediate support, students can contact CAPS All Hours, available 24/7, at (855) 531-0761. To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment, please call CAPS at (415) 422-6352.
University Ministry support services are available to all community members, and they can be reached at (415) 422-4463. Faculty and staff members can also contact CONCERN, the university's employee assistance program, at (800) 344-4222.
Information on services and opportunities to remember and honor Larry Williams will be shared with the community when available.