Dr. William Green serves as the Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at Life University, bringing over a decade of experience in coaching, athletic administration, student-athlete development, compliance, academic support, and community engagement. Throughout his career, Green has built a reputation for developing championship-caliber programs, mentoring award-winning student-athletes, and fostering cultures centered on excellence, accountability, and servant leadership.
Life University (2025–Present)
Green joined Life University in 2025 as the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, where he assists with recruiting, player development, scouting, game preparation, academic monitoring, and student-athlete mentorship. He continues to build upon his reputation as a relationship-driven coach committed to developing high-character student-athletes on and off the court.
Southern University at New Orleans (2022–2025)
Prior to arriving at Life University, Green served as the Assistant Athletic Director and Assistant Coach for both the Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs at Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) under Athletic Director and Head Men’s Basketball Coach James A. Matthews, III.
During his tenure, Green played a vital role in helping transform SUNO Athletics into a championship-caliber program and one of the fastest-growing athletic departments in the NAIA and HBCU landscape. Working alongside Matthews, he helped establish a culture built on competitive excellence, academic achievement, character development, and community engagement. His efforts contributed to increased student-athlete enrollment, enhanced academic support services, expanded community partnerships, and elevated visibility throughout the conference and nationally.
In his administrative role, Green oversaw:
- Team travel and logistics
- Practice and game scheduling
- Eligibility and compliance
- Budget management and coach evaluations
- Faculty and staff relations
- Academic support initiatives
- Athletic event management across all sports
- Student-athlete support services
- Community outreach and engagement programs
Green also played an active role in strengthening community partnerships throughout New Orleans, helping SUNO Athletics collaborate with the New Orleans Pelicans and New Orleans Saints through outreach initiatives, leadership development opportunities, and community service projects.
Under the leadership of Matthews and the administration staff, SUNO Athletics earned back-to-back NAIA Champions of Character Gold Five-Star Institution distinctions in 2023–24 and 2024–25, recognizing the department’s commitment to integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. Additionally, both the Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs earned 2024–25 NAIA Scholar Team recognition, with the men’s team posting a 3.46 GPA and the women’s team earning a 3.22 GPA.
Men’s Basketball
Green helped develop Jamal Gibson, one of the most accomplished players in SUNO and HBCU basketball history. A 6’8” forward who entered collegiate basketball with no prior playing experience, Gibson emerged as one of the nation’s premier players.
During the 2023–24 season, Gibson averaged 21.0 points and 15.8 rebounds per game, led the nation in total rebounds, and established SUNO single-season records for points (579), rebounds (453), and double-doubles (27). His historic season earned him GCAC Freshman of the Year, GCAC Player of the Year, GCAC Defensive Player of the Year, GCAC First-Team All-Conference, GCAC First-Team Defensive Team, Louisiana Player of the Year, and Third-Team HBCU All-American honors.
In 2024–25, Gibson extended his streak to 54 consecutive double-doubles, further cementing himself as one of the nation’s most dominant players. He earned HBCUAC Player of the Year, HBCUAC Defensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-HBCUAC, First-Team HBCUAC Defensive Team, HBCU Player of the Year, and Second-Team HBCU All-American recognition.
Additionally, during the 2024–25 season, Green coached the HBCUAC Freshman of the Year, further highlighting his success in recruiting, player development, and talent evaluation.
Women’s Basketball
Green also played a significant role in the development of Jordan Harris, a standout student-athlete recognized for leadership, academic excellence, and athletic achievement. A four-year team captain and 1,000-point scorer, Harris graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 3.7 GPA.
During the 2023–24 season, Harris earned All-GCAC Second-Team honors, and in 2024–25 she was named All-HBCUAC Second Team, further cementing her legacy as one of the program’s top student-athletes. Under Green’s mentorship, Harris exemplified SUNO Athletics’ commitment to excellence in the classroom, community, and competition.
Academic Achievement
In May 2025, Green earned his Doctorate in Sports and Athletic Management, further strengthening his expertise in athletic leadership, compliance, operations, and student-athlete success.
Xavier University of Louisiana (2012–2017)
Prior to SUNO, Green served as an Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Xavier University of Louisiana, helping lead one of the NAIA’s premier programs to conference championships and national tournament appearances.
During his tenure, Green helped coach one of the most decorated players in Xavier history, Whitney Gathright Kelley, who earned:
- WBCA NAIA First-Team All-American (2015–16), becoming Xavier’s first First-Team All-American since 1998
- Two-time GCAC Tournament MVP
- Three-time First-Team All-GCAC
- Three-time All-Louisiana selection
- No. 7 all-time scorer in program history with 1,414 career points
- School records for career free throws made (463) and career free-throw percentage (.782)
- Xavier University Female Athlete of the Year (2015–16)
Accomplishments
Championship Program Development: Helped transform SUNO Athletics into a championship-caliber program and one of the fastest-growing athletic departments in the NAIA and HBCU landscape.
Athletic Administration Leadership: Oversaw eligibility and compliance, team travel, scheduling, budgeting, coach evaluations, event management, and student-athlete support services as Assistant Athletic Director.
Academic Excellence: Contributed to both Men’s and Women’s Basketball earning 2024–25 NAIA Scholar Team recognition with team GPAs of 3.46 and 3.22, respectively.
Character Recognition: Helped SUNO Athletics earn back-to-back NAIA Champions of Character Gold Five-Star Institution distinctions in 2023–24 and 2024–25.
Community Outreach: Developed partnerships and engagement opportunities with the New Orleans Pelicans, New Orleans Saints, local schools, and community organizations.
Award-Winning Player Development: Coached and developed a GCAC Freshman of the Year, GCAC Player of the Year, GCAC Defensive Player of the Year, Louisiana Player of the Year, HBCUAC Freshman of the Year, HBCUAC Player of the Year, HBCUAC Defensive Player of the Year, multiple All-Conference selections, and multiple HBCU All-Americans.
All-American Development: Helped develop multiple All-Americans, including Jamal Gibson (SUNO) and Whitney Gathright Kelley (Xavier University of Louisiana).
Women’s Basketball Student-Athlete Development: Mentored a 1,000-point scorer, four-year team captain, Magna Cum Laude graduate, and multiple All-Conference performer in Jordan Harris.
Championship Coaching Experience: Contributed to conference championship teams and national tournament appearances at Xavier University of Louisiana.
Educational Leadership: Earned a Doctorate in Sports and Athletic Management (May 2025) and applied expertise in leadership, compliance, athletic operations, and student-athlete success.
Teaching & Mentorship: Six years of classroom teaching experience and more than a decade of coaching experience dedicated to developing student-athletes academically, athletically, and professionally.
Professional Philosophy
Known for his ability to build meaningful relationships, develop talent, and create positive team cultures, Dr. Green has built his career around helping student-athletes achieve success academically, athletically, and personally. Whether in the classroom, on the court, or in athletic administration, his commitment to excellence, integrity, and servant leadership continues to impact the lives of student-athletes and the programs he serves.
