Topeka, K-State dual sport athlete returns to coach youth

TOPEKA, KS. (KSNT) – A Topeka legend is back in the capital city to pass on her knowledge to the next generation.

Peyton Williams, a graduate of Cair Paravel Latin School, returned to her home court to teach youth hoopers. Williams plays professional basketball overseas, but is allowed to hang out in Topeka during the offseason.

Williams says she contacted the Cair Paravel Athletic Director about coaching opportunities while she was in town. She says the AD jumped at the chance.

“Without further ado, I was here at the (Cair Paravel) gym,” Williams said. “It looks a little different than the last time I was here, but it was really fun.”

After her high school career, Williams went on to play collegiately at K-State as a rare dual sport athlete. Williams played on the volleyball team until the fall, switching to basketball when the volleyball season ended.

“It helped me stay versatile,” Williams said. “I was always busy, but I was always grateful to have that opportunity… and it was so much fun.”

In volleyball, Williams was a freshman All-Big 12 selection and second-team all-conference as a senior. In basketball, Williams finished with two first-team All-Big 12 honors.

When asked about the state of the K-State women’s basketball team in 2023-24, a season that saw the Wildcats host the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament and finish as high as No. 2 in the nation, Williams was quick to respond.

“It helps when you have a star like Ayoka Lee. I mean, come on. She’s a champion, right?” Williams said. “Yeah, she’s great. And I think Coach Mittie, when I was there, really loved the people that he had under him. He really built a staff that knew what they were doing. As far as I’m concerned, he did a great job and kept building every year.”

Williams says she regrets only having one good season with Lee.