William Leroy Coleman
Class of 2015
Known to Huntsville sports fans in the 1970s as “Leroy,” William Leroy Coleman grew up in Selma during the height of the civil rights era before moving to Huntsville in 1972. A promising baseball player, he switched focus to basketball at Huntsville High after encouragement from friend Charles Matthews and guidance from coach Billy Whorton. Though new to the sport, Coleman became a key contributor by his sophomore year and developed into a first-team All-City selection.
His defensive prowess was his calling card. Even against elite competition like Johnson High’s Parade All-American Bobby Cattage, Coleman proved he could rise to the moment, once scoring 25 points in a surprising offensive outburst.
After graduating in 1976, Coleman attended Middle Tennessee State University on a basketball scholarship. A 6-4 guard-forward, he broke into the starting lineup as a freshman and remained there for his career. He was named to the Ohio Valley Conference All-Defensive Team all four years, earned All-OVC honors as a senior, and captained the Blue Raiders in his final season while averaging 14 points per game. One of his highlights came when his last-second free throws beat Virginia Commonwealth.
Drafted by the Utah Jazz in the 10th round in 1980, Coleman instead chose a career in the U.S. Navy, enlisting in 1983. Over 27 years, he rose to Senior Chief, serving in communications aboard multiple ships, primarily amphibious vessels. His Navy career was marked by leadership and mentorship of younger sailors — something he valued as much as his playing days.
Coleman retired from the Navy in 2010. He and his wife, Cynthia, have two children, Nadia and William.
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