Meet Anita J. Williams | Founder & CEO, Head Coach and Educator at Excellence Rising Academic & Athletic Development

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anita J. Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anita J., can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind starting my business, Excellence Rising Academic and Athletic Development, goes all the way back to words I wrote in the spring of 2016: “Excel Beyond Expectations.” At the time, I didn’t know how significant those words would become. That summer, I underwent an emergency surgery due to a life-threatening bowel obstruction. I had never had a major surgery before—not even broken a bone. That procedure not only saved my life but also became the starting point of a long and painful recovery process—physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.

My mother, who had passed just two years prior, had always been my greatest support system. Facing such a critical turning point without her guidance forced me to dig deep within myself. In that hospital bed, I began applying for teaching jobs—yes, while still hooked up to IVs. I was expected to be in the hospital for a month but left in a week and a half. Soon after, I was back in the classroom teaching 6th-grade English in Plano. Despite sleepless nights and physical pain, being in the classroom gave me a sense of purpose. Encouraging young people started to light something inside me again—and in truth, encouraging them began to reawaken something in myself.

Over the next few years, I observed educational gaps—students not receiving certain opportunities, and parents unaware of key information about their child’s learning environment. While teaching, I started a poetry team, and what began with just two or three students grew to more than a dozen. We became a diverse team—Black, white, Hispanic, Asian, neurodivergent, and multilingual students all growing together. One of our most memorable moments was when a student on the autism spectrum, who had never performed in front of others, took the stage for the first time. His mother was in tears. That’s what “Excellence Rising” means—defying expectations in every way.

Ironically, the same year that poetry team won the district championship—on May 8, my late mother’s birthday—was also the year I formally launched Excellence Rising. One of my students won the competition with a bilingual poem written in both Spanish and English, which I had encouraged her to embrace. It was a defining moment.

At the time, I also realized I wasn’t receiving the same coaching opportunities as some of my male counterparts—even though I had the skills. Parents began asking me to train their sons privately, and I started slowly branding my own coaching services. What started as an idea for basketball development grew into something much more holistic. My business now combines academic and athletic support for youth and adults alike: basketball skills, group fitness, piano lessons, ESL tutoring, essay writing support—even working with a 66-year-old client on fitness and shooting development. My goal is to serve the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

The thought process behind my business is not just professional; it’s deeply personal. It’s rooted in survival, self-belief, and a desire to help others rise—just as I had to. Even as I manage the lifelong challenges of short bowel syndrome, I remain committed to growth. At Excellence Rising, we don’t chase perfection—we embrace progress. That’s what it truly means to Excel Beyond Expectations.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Excellence Rising Academic and Athletic Development—a platform built to help people excel beyond expectations in every area of life. The name and motto alone sets us apart is our commitment to creating a one-stop environment where academics and athletics aren’t separate but aligned. Our programs encourage growth in a diverse, affirming, and disciplined atmosphere—whether someone is in the classroom, on the court, or both.

I’m most proud of the atmosphere I’m building—where students, athletes, parents, and even staff walk away feeling stronger mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It’s not just about performance. It’s about transformation.

My journey hasn’t been easy. I got to where I am today through a mix of lived experience, hard work, and a deep desire to serve. As a student-athlete in high school, I was already coaching second graders at the local YMCA—my mom would drive me to practices when she could, I would take the Dart bus, or walk. I still remember encouraging the one girl on the team to be strong and tough among the boys. Around the same time, I was also working at Kroger grocery store, juggling practices, studies, and responsibilities. That combination of work, school, and leadership built my early foundation of grit and service.

In college, while my mom was battling cancer, I continued to push forward. I became a student coach for the basketball team and worked multiple jobs—doing maintenance work on campus, working the front desk at the gym, and refereeing at the YMCA. One day, while refereeing, someone saw my connection with youth and asked me to coach a church basketball skills program. I wasn’t paid—I did it because I loved it. What I didn’t realize then was how much those unpaid moments were preparing me professionally.

Outside of athletics, I also found joy volunteering at nursing homes, listening to stories and gaining wisdom from elders. Every role I took on—whether teaching, coaching, mentoring, or working in customer service or sales—taught me something valuable. I studied Speech Communication at Hardin-Simmons University, with a minor in Coaching, and earned multiple teaching certifications in English, ESL, and Communication for grades 6–12. I’ve worked with students from middle school to high school, including in special education, and served as a paraprofessional and high school coach.

All these experiences shaped my leadership style. I don’t just see myself as a boss—I see myself as a servant leader, a teammate, and someone committed to creating real opportunities for others to grow.

It was not easy. I’ve battled depression and anxiety while worrying about my mom driving herself to chemotherapy. There were moments I had to study with tears in my eyes, uncertain about the future. But I leaned on my faith. I learned to surround myself with people who could pour into me the right way. The Richest Man in Babylon taught me to seek wisdom from those who are experts in their field. That principle changed how I lead and make decisions.

Books like Homeless to Billionaire, The Science of Getting Rich, and the mindset of personal growth helped me see the world differently. I began to understand that, like plants, what we take in reflects what we produce. That simple truth has influenced how I grow personally and professionally.

What I want the world to know is this: Excellence Rising is more than a brand—it’s a vision. We’re a place where academics and athletics connect to shape lives. It’s a space where youth, families, and professionals alike can gain the tools, support, and mindset to rise above limitations and truly excel beyond expectations.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If someone were visiting the Dallas area and wanted to explore the city, I’d tell them to start by finding a peaceful lake to walk around and decompress—Lake Lewisville is a refreshing spot for that, and Lake Ray Hubbard offers beautiful views and a calming atmosphere. From there, I’d suggest spending time in Deep Ellum to enjoy the art, energy, and creativity. It’s the kind of place where the murals speak, the food is bold, and the people make you feel alive. They could check out the local galleries or catch a pop-up event, then grab something to eat from one of the many amazing food spots in the area.

I’d also recommend they spend some time in Oak Lawn, which is full of life, fun, and vibrant people from all walks of life. It’s a great place to be reminded that Dallas is home to a wide mix of cultures and experiences. For more food and a unique vibe, Bishop Arts District is another must—full of charm, art, entertainment, and some of the best restaurants around.

When it comes to eating well, Dallas doesn’t disappoint. On what I call Foodie Friday, I’d have them try Brick & Bones in Deep Ellum if they love fried chicken—it’s tucked inside a bar, but the food alone is a showstopper. For dessert, they need to try Val’s Cheesecakes—a small shop with big flavor and a loyal following. And whether they’re vegan or not, they’ve got to check out Black Vegan Pinup, based in Fort Worth. Her vegan nachos are so good you’d swear it was meat—they’re hearty, flavorful, and truly satisfying.

Dallas has so many layers to it—from the quiet spaces near the water to the loud and colorful streets filled with music, art, and food. Whether you’re into museums, live events, nature, or just discovering something new, the Dallas Metroplex has something for every side of you.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I give my greatest thanks to the Most High. Without my faith in God, I truly don’t know where I would be. My favorite verse, Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” has been a guiding principle throughout my life. It reminds me that everything I do—whether in the classroom, on the court, or in the community—is ultimately a reflection of my purpose and service.

I’m deeply thankful for my mother, who showed me the meaning of strength and consistency. She could be outside cutting tree limbs, then come inside and make a full-course meal, and still make time to be present at my games and activities. That type of love, sacrifice, and dedication shaped the woman I’ve become. It also taught me to honor the hard work parents and caregivers pour into their children’s lives.

Shout out to my late family members who are no longer here physically but remain in my heart every day: my mother, my grandmother, Aunt Barbara, Aunt Faye, and Merlin. Your legacy and love continue to give me strength.

To the 2018–2019 poetry team I coached—A.G., A. Chen (thank you for my daily sour gummy worms), T.Y., A.P “Curls in Motion” —you all know who you are. I hope you carry the lessons, motivation, and guidance I poured into you, because watching you grow inspired me just as much, if not more, than I may have inspired you.

To those who have supported my journey in poetry across the Dallas area—thank you. Whether it was a kind word after a performance, a shared stage, or simply believing in my voice, your encouragement has helped me grow not only as a coach and entrepreneur, but also as a public speaker and artist.

A special thank you to my mentors: Dr. Strickland and Dr. Kelly from Hardin-Simmons University, Mr. Mike Whitehead in Plano, and Coach Blackmon who coached at Naaman Forest High School, whose support during my early athletic years helped shape my discipline and passion for youth development.

Thank you to my dad, to Mount Hebron Baptist Church in Garland, and to Reverend Leach for always being a call away and keeping me lifted in prayer.

And to anyone who spoke life into me—whether you knew it or not—thank you. To those who may have counted me out, doubted me, or misunderstood my path—thank you, too. People who saw me walking with my head down after a basketball game at 12 years old would’ve never imagined I’d one day speak on stages, lead programs, and pour into the next generation. But here I am. And I’m just getting started.

Website: https://excellence-rising.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence_rising/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-williams-erising/

Twitter: https://x.com/erisingelite

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceRising

Youtube: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-williams-erising/

Other: Website: https://excellence-rising.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence_rising/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceRising/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@excellence_rising

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/excellence_rising.bsky.social

Lemon8: https://www.lemon8-app.com/@excellence_rising

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@excellence_rising

Image Credits
Photography for many shots: https://www.instagram.com/jaderouillefoto?igsh=MXNseGIzM3Q4eHZsdg==
(Known as Jade)