Olympic Trialist Looks Ahead To Bright Future In College

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

For middle-distance star Roisin Willis, it was always Stanford.

The Stevens Point WI senior announced Sunday afternoon on social media her commitment to run for the Cardinal in 2022. Despite some other schools making some strong impressions, it was clear she'd be running for Stanford.

"As soon as head coach (J.J.) Clark called me and called my dad, it was immediately one of my top schools, just because of success in the 800 meters he's had, and the well-rounded team Stanford has right now," Willis said. "Stanford was probably one of my top schools for about four or five school months, but when I started doing the officials, things got a little confusing for me, but then toward the end, it just went back to Stanford.”

Willis, who finished the 2021 spring track and field season as the top high school runner in the 800 meters (2:00.78), US#2 in the 400 (52.64) and US#5 in the 1,600 (4:41.46), said USC and the University of Virginia were the other top schools in the mix. 

“It was definitely hard to let go of all those schools, but Stanford just checked all the boxes and it’s just the place for me as a student and an athlete, so it wasn’t that hard of a decision at the end,” she said. 

Willis said her mom, Breda Dennehy-Willis, who ran professionally and competed in the 5,000 meters for Ireland in the 2000 Summer Games, was a big asset. 

“She definitely talked to the coaches extensively, and when it came down to the top schools she said to me, ‘They are all great options, you can’t pick the wrong school,’ which really helped,” Willis said. “But she really connected with the coaches, and her and Coach Clark had crossed paths in the past, so they really get along.”

Willis said she knew from the start she wanted to compete in the Pac-12, a conference known for its competitive track and field history. Willis recently competed this past summer at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., at the U.S. Olympic Trials in the women’s 800, where she advanced to the semifinals.

“I really like Stanford, I like the area, and I’m fine with the far move,” Willis said. “It's just a perfect fit for me, especially with the girls they are bringing in and the girls they have, and I just connected with the coaches and the girls there.”

The Gatorade National Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year for 2020-21, Willis said it’s a relief to have the college process over with and a clear vision of her future. With her final prep track season on the horizon, Willis said she has big goals for the 800 and 400 and is excited to be able to compete at her state meet. Willis said she’s also looking forward to taking a spot at the 2022 World Athletics Championships next July at Hayward Field.

“I’m just hoping to be in the best possible shape, happy, and I’m always trying to improve on what I did last year,” she said.

Already part of a talented group of seniors that have committed to the Cardinal this fall, Willis said she’d love for fellow middle-distance star and friend, Juliette Whittaker, to become a Cardinal as well. Whittaker, a senior from Catonsville, Md., who also competed and advanced to the semifinal round of the U.S. Trials in the 800 this past summer, has yet to announce her collegiate plans.

“I’m doing my best not to put pressure on her, but that would be a big thing if Juliette came,” Willis said. “I know she’s got a lot to consider right now, but I'd' be jumping up and down if she came.”