Masters Academy International Appoint Andy Williams

Masters Academy International Appoints Andy Williams as Founding Head of School

Global education leader who built “one of the best schools in the world” brings 34 years of experience—and a lifelong commitment to athletics—to groundbreaking academy

STOW, MA – Masters Academy International (MAI) today announced Andy Williams as Founding Head of School, bringing a rare combination of world-class educational leadership and deep roots in competitive athletics to the academy opening in September 2026. Williams, who most recently led Avenues: The World School campuses in São Paulo, Miami, and Online, will oversee all aspects of MAI’s academic and institutional vision.

“Andy is the leader we’ve been searching for—someone who has built elite academic institutions from the ground up and who genuinely understands what it means to compete at the highest levels,” said Rich Odell, Co-Founder and CEO of Masters Academy International. “After an extensive global search, Andy stood out not just for his remarkable track record building Avenues into one of the world’s premier schools, but for his authentic understanding of the student-athlete journey. His experience as a collegiate and professional soccer player, combined with his vision for innovative education, makes him uniquely qualified to lead MAI. He knows firsthand how to create academic environments where student-athletes don’t have to choose between excellence in the classroom and excellence in their sport—they can achieve both.”

Williams has maintained a lifelong connection to athletics through leadership, coaching, and a deep belief in the power of sport to shape young people. He founded one of New Jersey’s first elite soccer clubs at a pivotal time in the game’s growth, creating meaningful opportunities for players and setting a standard for excellence in coaching and development. He was instrumental in launching the MAPS Soccer League and helped establish multiple grassroots boys’ and girls’ soccer programs that strengthened communities and expanded access to the sport. His work with the Olympic Development Program reflects a commitment to nurturing talent while emphasizing character, discipline, and teamwork. Drawing on his experience as a collegiate and professional soccer player, Williams brings an authentic understanding of the demands placed on student-athletes and a coach’s heart for guiding them toward both competitive success and personal growth.

“Student-athletes bring extraordinary discipline, resilience, and goal-oriented qualities that powerfully enhance learning when supported by the right structures,” said Williams.

“My experience as both an educator and coach has taught me how to design programs that honor their schedules, nurture their well-being, and translate their competitive mindset into academic achievement.”

“At Cognita, we believe in forward-thinking education that focuses on a powerful combination of academic, social, emotional, and physical learning to ensure that our young people are ‘future ready,'” said Jeff Eakins, Managing Director for Cognita USA. “Andy’s rare experience as both a professional athlete and a global education leader perfectly aligns with that mission. He understands how to create environments where student-athletes thrive academically while pursuing their sporting dreams.”

Williams holds a B.A. (Honors) in Elementary Education from Liverpool University and an M.S. in Educational Administration & Supervision from Seton Hall University. His certifications include NJ Chief School Administrator, NJ Principal, UK Teaching License, Cognitive Coaching, and Universal Principles of Design.

Masters Academy International, part of Cognita’s global network of over 100 schools, is pioneering a new model for student-athlete development. Located in Stow, MA, the academy combines five hours of rigorous daily academics with four or more hours of elite sport-specific training across 15+ programs, providing 360-degree support to help students reach their full potential.