Dear USF Community,

I am saddened to inform you that USF Athletic Director Larry Williams passed away this morning 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. 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.

Larry 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." This is precisely how Larry approached his role throughout his tenure.

Grounded in his Catholic faith, Larry saw his work at USF as more than a profession - it was a calling which he devotedly lived out for others on a daily basis. Starting his days in contemplative prayer, Scripture reading, and reflection, his belief in the harmony of faith, education, and athletics shaped his vision for the department and his dedication to the holistic development of student-athletes.

Born in Orange County, California, Larry 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 when he joined our West Coast Conference colleagues at University of Portland in 2004.

Larry 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 as we support each other during this difficult time. The university provides counseling services for students through CAPS 24/7 at (855) 531-0761.

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 will be shared with the community when available.

Stephanie Shrieve-Hawkins, USF's deputy athletics director for administration and facilities since August 2024, has been named interim athletic director.

Kindly,

Salvador D. Aceves '83, EdD '95
President