Quayson Williams, a basketball coach from Trenton, New Jersey, was battling cancer last spring. He went into a coma and passed away on November 4, 2025.
He was an integral part of the NJ youth basketball community for 5 years and has mentored hundreds of kids.
Quayson Williams was a name synonymous with basketball talent and dedication. His journey began on the courts of North Carolina, and he mentored in his home state of New Jersey.
He demonstrated his remarkable skills at Eastern Guilford High School and became a local star under the guidance of Coach Joe Spinks. He was named Guilford County Public School Player of the Year and a back-to-back Conference Player of the Year.
Similarly, Quayson brought his scoring prowess to The Citadel Bulldog and ranked high as a sharp-shooting guard in the Southern Conference for three-pointers.
He had translated his on-court experience into a positive force and had been an integral part of the New Jersey youth basketball community for five years.
He mentored hundreds of kids and shared the lessons learned from his own successful journey in the sport.
A lot of times its hard to find the right words. I learned at a young age, life is not easy and its not fair. This is definitely one of those times. NJ Basketball lost a great coach, anyone that had the chance to know Q understands the world lost a great human being. Gratitude and appreciation can only begin to describe the feelings we have for Coach Q.
Matthew Skierski
Quayson Williams’s Family Mourns the Tragic Loss
Quayson T. Williams was the son of Charlene Williams and Brian Goss, born in Trenton, New Jersey. He was a beloved son, a dedicated coach, and a beacon of positivity for his community.
Coach Q, as he was affectionately known, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.
Coach Q’s love for the game of basketball was only surpassed by his passion for the people he could mentor through it.
He dedicated his life to the growth and development of countless young children, offering more than just drills and plays. He provided a foundation of character, confidence, and unwavering support.
Coach Q was a great teacher and a positive influence who cared deeply, and his infectious smile and joyful spirit left an everlasting impact.
He will be remembered as a great person who helped instill confidence in his young basketball players. His legacy will live on in their lives both on and off the court.
Furthermore, Coach Q’s battle with cancer proved his incredible strength and selflessness. After fighting the disease last spring, the 23-year-old coach believed he had beaten it.
Even as he endured grueling treatments that left him bald and frail, his commitment never wavered. He still ran drills with Trenton teens, his voice steady as he corrected their form between coughs.
Though he was fighting his toughest battle, he still showed up for his students and players. He didn’t let his diagnosis beat him down.
Sadly, his health took a sudden and terrible turn this past Saturday night, and he fell into a coma. Despite every ounce of courage and the hopes of all who loved him, he lost his fight.
The Williams family is wrapped in gratitude for the outpouring of care and support shown throughout his illness. David Newton organized a GoFundMe with all donations going directly to support his treatments and his family in their time of need.
Ball In Peace Quayson Williams 😩🙏🏽 It Was So Great Having You As A Friend . Nothing But Laughs & Love ❤️ I’m So Sorry This Has Happened To You 😩🙏🏽
Moni Williams
Quayson Williams was a truly remarkable soul, and his light, laughter, and profound kindness will never be forgotten.
He is survived by his loving parents, siblings, and a community of players, families, and friends who hold heavy hearts at his passing.
Ball in Peace, Coach Quayson Williams.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Quayson Williams stood 5 feet and 170cm tall.
- He majored in sport management.
