« Men’s Soccer 2018

Ben Willis

School
Gonzaga University
Position
Goalkeeper
Major
Kinesiology and Physical Education

Classroom

Ben Willis is pursuing his Bachelor of Education in kinesiology and physical education and plans to graduate in December 2018. He currently holds a 3.38 cumulative GPA and has earned his way onto Gonzaga’s dean’s list (3.50-3.84 GPA) or president’s list (3.85+ GPA) multiple semesters during his time at GU. Willis also has been a member of the WCC Commissioner’s Honor Roll since his freshman year and has been named WCC All-Academic Honorable Mention the last two years. After pursuing his soccer career, Willis hopes to use his fitness specialist concentration and ACSM certification to continue working in fitness and athletics.

Character

As a multi-year starter in goal, Willis has provided tremendous leadership both on and off the pitch for his teammates. During his true freshman season, he suffered a broken jaw while playing and found other ways to contribute during his recovery and subsequent redshirt season. He is a strong vocal leader for his peers and encourages teamwork and collaboration in order to be successful.

Community

Throughout his time at Gonzaga, Willis has found multiple way to get involved in the community through S.A.A.C and departmental outreach opportunities. He has participated in Catholic Charities Trunk-or-Treat events multiple years, volunteered at a food drive in conjunction with one of our home basketball games and has even participated in the on-campus Relay for Life walk to raise awareness for the American Cancer Society.

Competition

Willis is already one the best goalkeepers in the history of the program. He was an All-WCC Honorable Mention selection last season and had started in 44 games in his career as of nomination time. As of mid-September, he was seventh in saves (147), fourth in goals-against average (1.46), ninth in goals allowed (66), and fifth in shutouts (8) in the GU record books. He also was leading the WCC and was 23rd in the nation in saves per game (5). He finished third in the conference at 3.65 saves per game last year and posted a 1.36 goals-against average, which is 10th all-time at GU.