Spartanburg, SC – The Converse College Athletic Department has announced the additions of Alexus Willey and Stephon Williams as Graduate Assistants.  Willey will be working with the Women's Basketball program, while Williams will join the Men's Soccer program.  Each will assist with the development of the team's student-athletes, the program's operations and recruiting. 

Willey comes to Converse after a successful 4 year playing career at UNC-Greensboro, where she was named the team's Most Improved Player as a sophomore.  Willey hails from Waldorf, MD and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting.  "I'm really excited for the opportunity to be a part of the coaching staff as the women's basketball grad assistant here at Converse college", said Willey.  "I am looking forward to bringing my experience as a Division 1 player at UNCG, as well as my knowledge of the game, both on and off the court, to assist coach Jim and staff in developing and leading our student athletes. It's going to be a great year despite the challenges we are enduring right now".  She will join a staff that also includes Mendy McNeese, who was promoted to Assistant Coach prior to last season.  "I'm excited to have Alexus join our staff here at Converse College", said Brunelli.  "She comes here after a successful career at UNCG and I look forward to the energy and positive outlook she will bring to our team".

Williams reunites with new Head Men's Soccer Coach Rob Miller, as the two previously worked together at Truett McConnell University, where Williams also played under Miller.  After graduating in 2016, Williams coached for the Rochester Futbol Club in Rochester, Ny., from June 2016 to July 2017.  In addition, he coached the U-12, U-14 and U-16 teams and led the U-14 team to a third-place finish in the state cup.  Williams then moved on to the University of Pikeville, where he served as a Graduate Assistant for the Men's Soccer program, while also earning his MBA.  In 2019, he was a member of Miller's coaching staff at Truett McConnell University as an Assistant Coach.  "Stephon is an outstanding addition the Converse program," said Miller. "I am thrilled to be working with him again and I am confident that he will help grow the program on and off the field."

Converse is home to the only NCAA Division II athletic teams in Spartanburg and is a member of Conference Carolinas, whose membership is made up of private colleges and universities across the southeastern United States.  Converse recently announced that in fall 2020 it will add a co-ed undergraduate residential program alongside its women's college, and launch its inaugural men's athletics teams in fall 2021. The men's teams currently planned at Converse for the 2021-2022 academic year include basketball, cross country, equestrian (co-ed), esports (co-ed), soccer, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field, and volleyball. These men's teams will be in addition to the 13 NCAA Division II and IHSA women's teams currently a part of Converse's athletic team roster.

About Converse College

Converse was founded in 1889 by citizens of Spartanburg, SC who aimed to create an educational experience that enables women "to see clearly, decide wisely, and act justly." Effective July 1, 2021 it will acknowledge its university status under the name Converse University, and in fall 2020 it will welcome its first undergraduate co-educational incoming class. Converse is a creator of opportunity for all academically-qualified students through a personalized education that is combined with the professional and technical skills graduates need to be successful in their careers. Converse pushes beyond traditional boundaries to make a quality educational experience available to every qualified student who seeks it – both at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels. Converse College's mission is to help students develop their unique voice, a sense of value, and a vision for the future.