Stetson University Athletics

Stetson University announced two-time national high school coach of the year honoree Kristin McWilliams as the newest head coach of the Hatters men's and women's cross-country program on Monday.

McWilliams was named Girls Cross Country National Coach of the Year by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association in 2024 and the National Federation of State High School Association in 2015. At Winter Park High School, her cross country teams won three state championships, two state runner ups and nine region championships in her tenure.

"I am excited that Coach McWilliams is joining us at Stetson," said Ricky Ray, Director of Athletics. "Her commitment to individualized training and leadership development will benefit our student-athletes. Additionally, her connections in the state of Florida will be a tremendous benefit as we grow our program."

"I would like to thank Ricky Ray and the athletics staff for the opportunity. I am thrilled to lead the men's and women's cross country teams to a new level of excellence on the course, the track and in the classroom," said McWilliams.

Throughout her 23-year career, McWilliams has coached 3 individual cross country state champions, a Footlocker National finalist and a two-time Nike Cross Nationals finalist. She has also had success with her girls and boys on the track, where she led her team to a state runner-up finish and mentored eight individual state champions, six relay state championship teams and the state record holder in the girls mile. She earned state coach of the year six times in her career and was nominated as national coach of the year in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2024.

McWilliams has earned numerous leadership positions nationally, including serving as the National High School Athletic Coaches Association National Sports Chairman for Boys and Girls Cross Country.

In addition to her 15 years at Winter Park, McWilliams also led cross country and track programs at Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville) High School, Berkeley Preparatory School (Tampa), and Robinson (Tampa) High School. McWilliams earned both her bachelor's degree and master's degree in accounting from the University of Florida. She lives in Altamonte Springs.