Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Williams Sr.
Hi Kevin, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I started my basketball journey owning a Minor League Professional Basketball team at 28 years old. For the last 14 years I have continued my journey in professional basketball. I have coached on the middle school level, high school, College, and Minor League Professional Level. Currently, I am the President of International Basketball Operations for the National Basketball League-United States. I am the owner of the HBCU Movement, the first professional basketball team to feature all HBCU athletes. I just launched HBCU Prep Academy, the first sports academy dedicated to middle school and high school student-athletes that have an interest in attending Historically Black Colleges & Universities.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Owning a team at a young age without much guidance was a struggle, having to learn on the go. I threw myself into learning the business of basketball, not just the sport. Now that I have been a part of the business of basketball, I have found my way through being around successful people in the business that have helped me along the way. Chris Allen Thomas has really helped me build my business by giving me great advice about starting and owning my own basketball league. He pushed me to start my own league and run it professional. I purchased the rights to the National Basketball League-United States in 2019. We are currently in our 5th season. It has not been easy having to be over a league, but it has been a blessing to me.
We’ve been impressed with HBCU Prep Academy Culture, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
February 1st, 2024, my beautiful wife Mila Williams and her close friend Margaux Weston called me and told me it was time to do something in sports with the youth. In 2022, I founded the HBCU Movement, the first professional basketball team to feature all Historically Black Colleges and Universities athletes on one team. With the success of the HBCU Movement and with the support of my family I founded HBCU Prep Academy. The first sports prep academy for middle school and high school student-athletes that would like to attend HBCUs for their college education. We are excited about spreading the message to our youth about HBCU’s the history, the legacy and the Culture. Through all the projects I have been a part of, this is my most rewarding one. I’m proud to say that I am the founder of this historic project. Our season begins August 2024; we have dedicated kids and parents to our program. We offer sports, cheer, dance, and band. Boys and Girls from 6th grade- post-grad.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I love my city. I love the people, the weather, and the opportunity for growth, personal and business-wise. The culture in Houston is great, the food, we are big on sports, we have that southern hospitality. Only thing I do not like is the traffic, and it never snows!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hbcuprepacademy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehbcuprepacademy/
- Facebook: HBCU Prep Academy
