For the 1st time in 2 decades, the Irmo girls’ basketball program will have new leadership on the sidelines.

Monica Williams announced her retirement on Twitter after 21 seasons with the Lady Yellow Jackets.

“I’m retiring from coaching,” she tweeted. “24 years. Thank you to so many of my former/current players/parents/staff. No regrets. Special thanks to @IrmoGirlsB-Ball @twag_coach @coachvaughn_pe @rlhardyus @ IrmoAd @TBWhipple @ IrmoHigh. Loved every minute of it.”

Williams steps down after a career in which she won 421 games in 24 seasons. After starting at Lancaster High School in 1997 following an illustrious career playing for the University of South Carolina, she moved on to Irmo in 2000.

Williams went on to lead the Lady Yellow Jackets to 16 or more wins in 11 of the past 13 seasons.

Irmo won the Class 4A Lower State title in 2004 and finished state runnerup.

In 2020, the Lady Yellow Jackets won their 7th region title under Williams and reached the Class 4A Upper State final.

In addition to being named region Coach of the Year 7 times, she also sent over 25 players to the college basketball ranks. Williams also served as an assistant and head coach in 3 All-Star Games.

Coaches from throughout the Midlands and Palmetto State offered their praise this past Thursday on Twitter.

“Thank You @mwilliam_ monica for all of your time, dedication, and commitment to @IrmoGirlsBBall,” Irmo athletics director Ray Canady tweeted. “You have made a positive difference in the lives of many, many players, managers and staff!!!!”

“Bittersweet,” tweeted Spring Valley girls basketball coach Megan Assey. “One of the best to ever grace the sidelines. Such an incredible leader of women. You will be greatly missed. Proud to call you a friend.”

“Well done, enjoy!,” former Lexington head coach Bailey Harris said.

“Coach!,” tweeted Irmo principal Robin Hardy. “The dedication and drive you have demonstrated over the 24 years have been instrumental in setting our caring culture of high expectations! You brought your A Game! #ThisIsIRMO #ProudPrincipal”.