Alumni Spotlight: Kristan Willis

Name: Kristan Willis

Job Title: High School Counselor

Organization: Terry Sanford High School

Kristan Willis played Women's Volleyball for the 2005-2006 season. During her one season with the Sea Devils she recorded 437 assists, 76 kills and 64 aces. She helped guide the Sea Devils to a 21-4 overall record, a 14-0 conference record, and ultimately the Region 10 Championship.

After leaving CFCC, Willis attended North Carolina Central University (NCCU) where she continued her academic and athletic career. During the 2006 season, Kristan helped guide the Eagles to a CIAA conference championship. She was a 3-year defensive specialist and starter during her playing career, while also holding the position of captain during her senior season. Willis held the highest GPA in the athletic department during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. While at NCCU she pursued a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.

Willis currently resides in Fayetteville, NC where she is a high school counselor at Terry Sanford High School. To remain involved in athletics, Kristan coaches the volleyball team at Terry Sanford HS and plays beach volleyball in the spring and summer. 

When asked how her time at CFCC has influenced her career and life choices she said, "Playing volleyball at CFCC was a blessing for me. I was supposed to attend the United States Military Academy and play volleyball, but I tore my PCL my senior year of high school and was told I'd never play volleyball again. However, I was given the opportunity to play at CFCC and it changed everything. I played volleyball there and was given the chance to play at the next level and now I coach volleyball!"

What was your most memorable moment looking back at your time at Cape Fear?
"Going to Nationals with my team...road trip to Missouri in a charter bus! Oh, the memories!"

If you could tell an incoming freshman one thing what would it be?
"Go the extra mile! Get extra reps in, go to study hall, and get to know your teammates outside of volleyball."

What is your biggest accomplishment after leaving Cape Fear? (personal or professional)
"Having one of your former teammates (Coach Heather Emborsky) recruit one of your current athletes (Natalie Jernigan). It's awesome to have everything come full circle!"

 Courtesy of Breanna Sudano