Cooper Willis

Cooper Willis' determination to succeed

Scarlet Baumann, Staff Writer & Prisha Jain, Staff Writer

Balancing two sports, a job, and academic pressures is something not all students can manage with consistency. For senior Cooper Willis, this has become a routine. As a multi-sport athlete, Willis has built his reputation as a driven, diligent person. From earning varsity positions in both soccer and football to receiving college-level opportunities, his journey showcases his discipline and love for the game that has continued to push him forward. 

Willis joined the soccer team during his freshman year at Northview and joined the football team his sophomore year. He quickly adapted to the environment and worked his way to playing varsity on both teams. Kirk Parham and Sean Morgan, coaches who have supported Willis through his soccer journey in high school, praise him for his hard work.

"He is charismatic, driven, and a competitor. He really wants to succeed in every avenue. He's very coachable," Parham said.

"His commitment to just personal physical development and technical development with the sport gives him a dominant presence, particularly for soccer, with the position that he plays as a goalkeeper," Morgan said.

Appreciation for hard work goes both ways between coaches and players. As coaches improve their players' skills over time, players strive to meet the expectations of their coaches during practices and games. For Willis, this support from his coaches upholds his love for the sport.

"I would say my coaches have influenced the journey of my success because they are supporting me and giving me feedback," Willis said.

While juggling both sports, Willis also works at Chick-fil-A as a staff member, stays dedicated at school, and takes free time to make memories with his family. Willis works two days a week, works out at least twice a day, attends practice, and manages his schoolwork. Although a busy life may drain some, Willis manages to find time for an extra workout to prepare himself for the upcoming sports seasons. 

"I try to go to the gym when possible and try to do some extra work outside of a practice or a game, just really when I can," Willis said.

His parents, Kristin and Todd Willis, have supported him through his journey since he was young. Willis' father noticed his love for sports when he was in third grade.

"He always seemed to kind of have a knack for sports, but he made a travel soccer team without ever having to play soccer before, and that's when we thought he was pretty good," Todd Willis said.

With the everlasting support from his parents, Willis has been given opportunities that have structured his future. In May 2025, Willis attended the Kohl's Professional Camp in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and earned a 4-star overall kicker rating. He attended multiple camps throughout the rest of 2025, including a Southern Showcase Camp, National Scholarship Camp, and the Southern Winter Showcase Camp.

"They have encouraged me to work harder outside of practices and help support me if I want to go to camp or buy new equipment," Willis said.

Willis has not committed to a college yet, but has made it clear that he wants to take his football skills to the college level. He has received multiple offers from college coaches across the country. He is prepared to work hard with his team and continue to play the sport that he loves.

"My future goals for football are to play high level of college football and continue playing the sport. I want to be the starting kicker on the team," Willis said. 

As his senior year comes to an end, Willis plans to sharpen his skills for the next level. With the unwavering support of his family and coaches and his willingness to continue moving forward,  he is now prepared to take his football career to the collegiate level. From now until graduation, Willis aims focus on his goals, balance his extracurriculars, and build a concrete foundation for what is yet to come.