Maurice Williams

For Coach Maurice, basketball isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life. Born and raised in Philadelphia, his path to the game was almost accidental. Originally a running back, Maurice didn’t pick up a basketball until around age nine or ten. After moving to a new neighborhood, he wandered past the local court where a group of kids (including Coach Juice) played every afternoon. He joined in, took his first shot, and instantly felt at home. The rhythm of the game, the laughter, the competition, it all clicked. Basketball became his passion, his community, and his first love.

Through long summers and cold Philly winters, Maurice could always be found on the court. The game taught him discipline, resilience, teamwork, and confidence. But it also showed him what he lacked, structured training, guidance, and a clear path for development. That realization planted the seed for his future mission: to give young players what he wished he’d had.

During his time at Morehouse College, community service and youth development remained central to Maurice as he shaped his vision for his career. After returning to Philadelphia, he stepped into a Recreation and Youth Program Director role that transformed the way he viewed youth development through sports. In that role, he oversaw youth programs, ran basketball leagues and clinics, and created a safe, supportive environment for young people from challenging backgrounds. It was there that Born with Purpose was created; born from his desire to provide youth with consistent safe spaces for character building, mentorship, and athletic growth.

In 2021, that mission became Ball with Purpose, a program designed to teach fundamentals, character, and leadership through basketball. Starting with a single group of elementary school boys the program has since grown into multiple teams and age groups. The original players are now high school athletes who model dedication, sportsmanship, and love for the game. In 2024, Ball with Purpose proudly launched its first girls’ team, an expansion that continues to embody family, growth, and community.

At home, Maurice’s wife and daughter share his love for basketball, reinforcing the values he brings to the court every day. Whether he’s coaching a game, leading a practice, or mentoring a young player, Coach Maurice’s goal remains the same:

To build great players and even greater people through basketball with purpose.