Paisely Pool is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Xavier College Prep for AZPreps365.com.

Michael Williams is known as “The Enforcer” around the Xavier College Prep community. The 69-year-old former coach and administrator wears the nickname with pride because he loves what he does.  

At first glance, his job title -- “security” -- may not seem like a big deal, but in reality it is and the time and work he has put into Xavier athletics does not go unnoticed. 

“I’m the eyes and ears around here,” Williams said.

As a Central Phoenix native, many people know him and are familiar with his story. 

As he runs the Murphy Bridle Path every morning, his fellow Brophy and Xavier alumni may casually pass him on the path for a quick conversation or greeting. “Oh, yeah, 'The Enforcer,” many will say. 

He played Little League Baseball as a boy, which gave him the background and experience to begin coaching it as a student at Brophy College Prep. 

In 1972, Williams graduated from Brophy, which is the all-boys school next to Xavier. 

After attending Phoenix College, the University of Arizona and graduating from Grand Canyon University with a degree in business administration, he continued coaching into his adult life. 

Williams coached volleyball, softball and one season of basketball at Xavier. He then moved into supervising and working the athletic events, even some school plays.

Xavier has been his home for more than 30 years with only one year off after the Covid-19 pandemic. He realized he wasn’t done with Xavier just yet. 

His favorite thing about coaching had to be “instilling values in the kids the right way,” Williams said. 

He has always been an advocate of rules and structure. From the “slow down” sign in his front yard to enforcing the strict clear-bag policy at volleyball games, he does his job with positivity and dignity. 

“It’s easier to have structure and rules because there is no gray area, it’s black or white,” Williams said. 

He is the leader of the gym during volleyball games, making sure no one walks in front of players or disrupts the game. 

Sister Lynn Winsor, the legendary athletics director of Xavier, has known Williams for years.

“Mike is very dependable, he loves Xavier and he enforces the rules, which is the way it should be,” she said. 

The two know just about everything about the school.

One of the perks of being around so long is that Williams has formed many relationships. 

Recently, Xavier had a seven-class reunion with around 150 women in attendance. Several women remembered Williams and took photos with him. 

One said her mom would love to know he’s still at Xavier. 

"The Enforcer" may be known as the warden of rules, but he is truly beloved at Xavier and it wouldn’t quite be the exceptional place it is without him. 

Tui Selvaratnam, the associate athletic director and co-head golf coach, has known Williams for 18 years. She recalled how when they first met she had to call him "Mr. Williams," not Mike. 

"He loves the school, the kids, and has known the families for years and years. … It is just great for him to be around the community,” Selvaratnam said. 

In January, Williams will hit a huge milestone when he turns 70. 

Mike Williams is not afraid to enforce the rules and tell people to do the right thing. It is his philosophy and what makes him so valuable and beloved to the Xavier College Prep community.