Willie

When Kennedy-King College student Willie decided to return to school, basketball was his focus. As a student-athlete, he balanced the demands of academics, competition, and life responsibilities. On the court, he built discipline, resilience, and accountability, helping lead his team to a city championship. Off the court, it was the relationships he built that made the biggest impact.

From the moment he enrolled, Willie was surrounded by mentors who believed in him and held him to a higher standard. Among them was Vice President Allison Rose, whom Willie affectionately calls “auntie.”

“She’s been with me since day one,” he shared. “She never gave up on me.”

That consistency—and care—became a foundation for his growth. His coaches, Coach Farrow and Coach Lo, along with his advisor, Jeff Min, created an environment where Willie felt supported yet challenged.

“They didn’t talk to me like a kid,” Willie said. “They talked to me like a man.”

That sense of respect pushed him to take ownership of his future. With guidance from the Advising Office, Willie stayed on track academically while navigating his busy schedule. The Transfer Center also helped him explore his next steps, opening the door to opportunities beyond Kennedy-King.

Willie transferred to Mississippi Valley State University, where he is now earning his bachelor’s degree in integrated social science. He graduated in May and has been accepted into a master’s program at Aurora University, where he plans to study social work and pursue a career as a marriage and family counselor.

“That’s where everything starts—the family,” Willie said. “If I can help people in that space, I know I’m making a difference.”

Through every challenge, Willie carries with him the lessons he learned at Kennedy-King: stay focused, keep going, and lean on the people who believe in you. Looking back, Willie doesn’t measure his experience by one moment or achievement, but by the people who invested in him along the way.

“If I had the choice, I’d still choose Kennedy-King,” he said. “You can’t replace the people you meet there.”

As he prepares for graduation and the next chapter of his journey, Willie continues to build on the foundation he started, one rooted in perseverance, purpose, and the belief that he can become even more.

Because for Willie, Kennedy-King wasn’t just a place to study or play basketball. It was where he became a better version of himself.