Now in his eighth season with the Youngstown State softball program is Director of Softball Operations Gary Williams.

Williams, who joined the staff midway through the 2004 campaign, will be responsible for coordinating public service activities and fundraising opportunities. Williams will also be responsible for various game-day duties. He also spearheaded the softball program's "Hit-A-Home Run Through Recycling" initiative.

A native of Hubbard, Ohio, Williams has been involved with the Canfield (Ohio) Baseball Club for the last 20 years and served as its President for 13 years. He has led District Two Little League for 10 years, is one of 10 District Administrators in the state of Ohio and one of only 500 in the world. He has also served as a trustee for Tri-T Pony baseball and softball for 10 years.

In 1999, Williams was named one of the most Mahoning Valley's Difference Makers by The Vindicator because of his involvement with youth sports. He is the founder of the "Hit a Homerun Through Recycling" project which has collected over 4,000 pieces of baseball and softball equipment for Youngstown-area youth. Williams was also involved in the creation of the "Pete's Kids Club" at Youngstown State.

Williams currently resides in Austintown.