CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Following a distinguished women’s basketball career that spanned more than 50 years as a student-athlete, coach, official, national rules editor and supervisor of officials, Debbie Williamson has announced she will embark on her next chapter.  

“Debbie’s impact on the ACC and the game of women’s basketball has been remarkable,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “For decades, her leadership has helped elevate the standard of officiating across our conference and nationally, and her influence will be felt for years to come. We are deeply grateful for her service and congratulate her on an extraordinary career.” 

“I’m incredibly grateful to the ACC for trusting me to serve as its Supervisor of Officials,” stated Williamson. “It’s been a privilege to have worked alongside outstanding officials, administrators, coaches and players – including in the American, Big East, A-10, CAA, Ivy League, MAAC and Big South Conferences. As I look ahead, I’m excited to continue serving in meaningful ways while also spending more time with my family. This work has truly been an honor and a blessing.” 

Williamson’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to women’s basketball, marked by excellence as a player, coach, official and national leader in officiating. 

A standout dual-sport athlete at Louisiana Tech, she was part of four Final Four teams and the program’s first NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship in 1982. She went on to coach at the NCAA Division I level with Georgia Southern and Southeastern Louisiana, as well as at the middle and high school levels, before transitioning into officiating. 

From 2000 to 2006, she served as an on-court official, later becoming NCAA Women’s Basketball Rules Editor (2006–2014) and National Coordinator of Officials (2012–2014). Since 2014, she has served as a conference coordinator of officials for multiple leagues, including the ACC, American, Big East, A-10, Ivy League, MAAC, Big South and CAA, helping shape consistency and excellence in officiating nationwide.  

She founded Game Keepers, LLC to unify conferences around officiating standards, launched the “Find a Ref” app to address staffing needs and created the “Player-to-Ref” program to recruit former players into officiating - a model later adopted by NCAA Division II commissioners. 

A two-time member of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Rules Committee and recipient of the prestigious 2025 National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) Gold Whistle Award, Williamson has also contributed as a leader within NASO, including serving as Board Chair. 

Beyond athletics, she earned her Ed.D. from the University of Houston and served in faculty roles at North Carolina State University, Campbell University and Meredith College. 

A native of Bell City, Louisiana - where her high school jersey remains the only retired number - she balances her professional impact with a deep commitment to faith and family, continuing her work with a focus on service while prioritizing time with her husband, children and grandchildren. 

The national search for the next ACC Supervisor of Women’s Basketball Officials is underway.