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

TOPEKA, KS. (KSNT) - A Topeka legend is back in the Capital City to pass her knowledge along to the next generation.

Peyton Williams, a Cair Paravel Latin School grad, returned to her home court to give lessons to youth hoopers. Williams plays professional basketball overseas, but gets to hang out in Topeka during the offseason.

Williams says she reached out to the Cair Paravel Athletic Director about some coaching opportunities while she was in town. She says the AD jumped on the opportunity.

"Without further ado, I was here in [the Cair Paravel] gym," Williams said. "It looks a little different from the last time I was here, but it's been 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 through the fall, switching over to basketball when the volleyball season ended.

"It helped me stay well-rounded," Williams said. "I was always busy, but I was always really grateful that I was allowed that opportunity...and it was so much fun."

In volleyball, Williams was a freshman All-Big 12 selection and a 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 K-State women's basketball in 2023-24, a season where the Wildcats hosted the opening rounds of the NCAA tournament and reached a No. 2 ranking in the country, Williams answered quickly.

"It helps when you've got a star like Ayoka Lee. I mean, come on. She's a champ, right?" Williams said. "Yeah, she's great. And so I think Coach Mittie, when I was there, I really loved the people who he had in place underneath him. He really created this staff that knew what they were doing. As far as I'm concerned, he's been doing a great job and building each year."

Williams says that she regrets only being able to play one healthy season with Lee.