Josh Williams

Get to Know Josh

Piedmont Soccer Association Board Member

What makes Piedmont home for you?

I have lived in the Piedmont community for over 12 years. The small-town atmosphere and the outstanding school district were what initially drew my family here. Over the years, I have been fortunate to serve as City Manager, be involved in several local organizations, and build strong relationships throughout the community.

What I love most about Piedmont is the people—there are so many individuals who genuinely care about this community and are committed to making it a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

What is your personal connection to soccer or youth sports?

I played soccer as a young boy and again during my senior year of high school. When my daughter turned three, I began coaching her soccer team and continued for six seasons. She still plays today, and I’ve enjoyed watching her grow and thrive through the sport. Being part of that journey has strengthened my appreciation for what youth sports can do for kids.

What inspired you to become part of the Piedmont Soccer Association?

Being part of creating a positive and energetic movement that provides our community’s youth with an opportunity to learn and grow through the sport of soccer inspired me to serve. I understand firsthand the powerful role sports can play in a young person’s life. Athletics had a profound impact on my life, and being able to give back in a meaningful way to the next generation is something I care deeply about.

What is your professional background, and what skills from this are you bringing to our team?

As the City Manager of Piedmont, I oversee the day-to-day operations of the city and work closely with residents, businesses, and community partners to help guide our community’s growth. Through that role, I frequently hear from residents about the amenities and opportunities they want to see developed in Piedmont. I also bring knowledge of local and state laws, experience in organizational leadership, and an understanding of how youth sports can positively impact our families, local businesses, and the overall vitality of our community.

What is the most important lesson you hope young athletes learn on the field?

On the field, I hope young athletes learn the value of teamwork, hard work, and perseverance through both the good times and the challenging moments.

What do you hope they’ll learn off the field?

The same lessons learned while practicing and playing carry over into life off the field. If young athletes can hold onto those principles, they’ll discover that they’re capable of achieving far more than they might have imagined.

What is your all-time favorite sports memory, either playing, watching, or coaching?

I actually have two favorite sports memories. The first is having the opportunity to coach soccer, baseball, football, and wrestling over the years. Seeing those young athletes continue to compete and enjoy the sports they love—and still hearing them call me “Coach”—is a privilege and a badge of honor I wear proudly.

The second was attending my first New York Yankees game as a lifelong fan. During that game, Hideki Matsui hit a walk-off home run in the 11th inning for the win. It was an unforgettable moment and a childhood dream come true.