Student-Athlete Spotlight
Grace Wills
Women's Lacrosse
Senior
Baltimore, Md.
March 28, 2012
Grace Wills is a fourth-year member of the University of Delaware women’s lacrosse squad as a defender.
The Baltimore, Md. native recorded 27 groundballs and has appeared in 33 games as a Blue Hen.
A graduate of St. Paul's School for Girls, Willis is an honor student as a communications major at Delaware with a minor in journalism . She has worked as a student intern with UD Athletics Marketing Department.
Click here for a full biography.
1. What are your team and individual goals this season?
The team goals for the season are to win the CAA Championship, to go to the NCAA tournament and to have a cumulative team GPA of 3.0 or higher. My goals are to start to create a championship mindset on the team and to have a long term impact on the program and the girls; leading by example.
2. How does it feel to be named captain in your senior season?
It means so much to me. I have had to work to get where I am and to have been given the honor of being the captain and having the respect of the team has made it all worth it. I know that God has given me this opportunity for a reason and I want to make a positive impact.
3. What are you taking away from last season and bringing to this season?
I have experienced negative situations and understand the factors that contribute to a losing season. I am determined to change the mindset and create a positive atmosphere where my teammates are free to play their best every day while also pushing each other to surpass their own expectations and team expectations.
4. What made you want to study and play lacrosse at Delaware?
I knew that I wanted to play lacrosse in college and when I visited this campus and met with the coach I knew I could have a great experience here. Little did I know that all of my expectations have been surpassed with the experiences I have been given both as an athlete and a student and I feel extremely blessed.
5. What is your major, and why did you choose it?
I began as a Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design major but ended up switching to Mass Communication. I realized that I did not want to make my focus so specific and I wanted to be able to study a wide range of other subjects. I know that I made the right decision because I feel like I can go into many different fields with a Communication major and be successful.
6. What sport would you play if not lacrosse?
If I did not play lacrosse I would probably play soccer. In high school I played both indoor and outdoor soccer and loved it but I was never good enough to play in college.
7. You've worked as a student intern in the UD Athletics marketing department. What was that experience like?
It was an amazing experience. I did not know what to expect going into it but once I met with Kristy and Ross, I knew it was going to be a great internship. I was able to learn about all aspects of in-game promotions, get tons of hand on experience in different roles throughout the month, and appreciate the importance of pre-game planning. I felt like it was a real job, not just an internship and the experience gave me a lot of direction because I realized it was a field I would really enjoy working in full time.
8. What has been your favorite class here?
I really loved my English class this past semester. My teacher, Kerry Hasler-Brooks, was very passionate about what she was teaching and got the entire class involved. We all enjoyed coming to class. I also enjoyed my Art History class on Impressionism because that is my favorite period of artists.
9. What are your plans after college?
After college I will use the summer to work at home before I leave in August to go to England for the next 8 months. While in England, I will be living at a boarding school and coaching Women’s lacrosse to both middle school and high school students. I am extremely excited about this opportunity and cannot wait to travel all over Europe since I was not able to study abroad.
10. What has been your most memorable experience been at the university?
I think my most memorable experience is definitely being a part of Women’s Lacrosse here. I found lifelong friends and memories through my experiences with the program and it has been the central point of growth for me in who I am now and taught me lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life.
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