Former Plant distance standout McWilliams named first female FACA cross country chair

Posted Aug 1, 2011 by Bill Ward

Updated Aug 1, 2011 at 11:10 PM

Former Plant High cross country standout Kristin McWilliams, a member of the Panthers’ state cross country teams in 1992 and 1993, has been named cross country chairman of the Florida Athletic Coaches Association.

McWilliams’ appointment, approved by the FACA board of directors last week, makes her the first woman to chair the cross country position. McWilliams, a head track and cross country coach at Winter Park High, replaces Plant boys cross country coach Mke Boza, who stepped down after holding the job several years. Boza recommended McWilliams to FACA Executive Director Shelton Crews as his successor.

Since her prep career under Panthers coach Roy Harrison, McWilliams has coached at Robinson, Berkeley Prep, Jacksonville Bishop Kenny and now Winter Park. In that time, her athletes have collectively won 14 state cross country and track championships. She has coached two Footlocker National Finalists and the girls state record holder in the 1,600-meter run, Shelby Hayes. McWilliams credits Harrison and Boza for much of her success.

“Coach Harrison is my hero, as well as Coach Boza,” McWilliams said. “When I was at Robinson and Berkeley, they mentored me and supported me. It’s an honor to take over for my hero and friend.”