Germantown Friends School Athletics is excited to welcome Kadirah Williams to the Tigers as Assistant Athletic Director and Head Varsity Softball Coach. Williams joins GFS with more than a decade of experience working with young people and a background that spans education, recreation, and competitive softball.
A Philadelphia native, Williams has spent the last 12 years working in student-centered communities. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong belief in athletics as a space where students can build confidence, develop leadership skills, form meaningful relationships, and experience a sense of belonging.
“What drew me to GFS was the genuine sense of community. I thought to myself, how could you not want to be a part of this amazing environment.” said Coach Kadirah when asked about what drew her to the role.
Williams most recently served as an Instructional Support Teacher and Assistant Varsity Softball Coach at Franklin Towne Charter High School, combining her experience as an educator with her passion for athletics. In the spring of 2025, she joined the varsity softball staff, helping lead the program to a Philadelphia Public League Championship in 2026, its first since 2017. The championship added to Williams’ extensive coaching experience and further reinforced her passion for building strong team cultures and creating opportunities for student-athletes to grow, compete, and succeed.
Her coaching experience extends throughout the Philadelphia softball community. Williams previously served as the Head Junior Varsity Softball Coach at St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls and has coached with the Philadelphia Phillies Urban Youth Academy and the MLB/Philadelphia RBI Program since 2020. Across those roles, she has worked with athletes at multiple ages and levels, emphasizing skill development, preparation, accountability, and positive team culture.
At GFS, Williams will bring that experience to both the Athletics Department and the softball program. As Assistant Athletic Director, she will work alongside coaches, faculty, and staff to support the day-to-day operations of Tiger Athletics and help create positive experiences for Middle and Upper School student-athletes. As Head Varsity Softball Coach, she will lead the program with a focus on building relationships, developing student-athletes, and establishing a strong and connected team culture.
Interim Athletic Director Mike Lintulahti is thrilled that Kadirah has joined the GFS team. “She’s a Philly kid who is passionate about the sport that she loves. I’m excited to see her excitement and passion for the game come across in how she coaches and how our student-athletes respond. It’s going to be something special.”
Williams earned her Bachelor's degree in Educational Studies from Cabrini University in 2022. Before her work at Franklin Towne, she spent eight years with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, where she helped connect young people with physical, social, and recreational opportunities while building relationships with community organizations across the city.
Known for an energetic and relationship-driven approach, Williams is eager to become part of the GFS community and contribute to the continued growth of Tiger Softball and Athletics as a whole.
Please join us in welcoming Coach Kadirah Williams to Germantown Friends School!