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When Roderick Williams joined Iowa Colony High School three years ago, he saw more than a new building—he saw potential.
Tasked with creating the school’s athletic training program from the ground up, Williams left Katy Taylor to pursue a rare opportunity: building a culture and standard of care from scratch. Today, that vision has not only become reality—it’s earned statewide recognition.
On May 9, Iowa Colony was named Training Staff Superstars of the Year by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and Texas Children’s Hospital.
“It’s definitely a humbling honor,” Williams said. “This recognition speaks to the commitment my students and staff have poured into making this program exceptional.”
What began in 2022 with five student trainers has grown into a thriving 24-member department, graduating its first senior class this year. Williams credits assistants Jose Chavez-Madrid, Sydney Hayes, and A’Jai Malone for helping build what coaches now call “The Dream Team.”
Their diversity, bilingual communication, and advanced certifications—including dry needling and soft tissue therapies—set the program apart.
Recovery and prevention are at the program’s core. From compression boots to cold tubs, Williams ensures every resource is used intentionally.
“We don’t let tools collect dust,” he said.
Beyond the techniques, it’s the heart behind the work that defines Williams’ leadership. Each graduating senior received a hammer—a symbolic gift encouraging them to break barriers and forge their own paths.
“We truly feel confident they’ve become individuals meant to be conquerors,” Williams said. “Meant to achieve success beyond their biggest imaginations and dreams.”
In just three years, Iowa Colony’s athletic training program has gone from startup to standard-setter—proof that when passion meets purpose, greatness follows.
Check out their full story here!
