Hall of Fame
Synonymous with Bridgewater College athletics, Jean Willi served as an instrumental member of the Department for parts of five decades as she helped build the decorated history behind several athletic programs.
After serving as an assistant coach for 11 seasons under legendary head coach Laura Mapp, Willi took control of the women’s basketball program prior to the 1996 season and remained at the helm through 2017. Her first Eagles' squad went 22-6 and gained the school's first-ever berth in the NCAA Division III tournament, and Willi was named the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. She coached the team to 24-win campaigns in 1998 and 2006 guiding the Eagles to a berth in the NCAA Division III “Sweet 16” both years.
Through a 21-year career at the head of the women’s basketball program, Willi amassed 375 victories and led the Eagles to all five NCAA Tournament appearance in team history. She coached a total of 32 All-ODAC selections with 17 of those first-team accolades. In addition, six All-Americans played under Willi with another five all-state first team picks, as well. Willi was named ODAC Coach of the Year five times and instructed the Eagles to 10 20-win campaigns and winning seasons in 19 of her 21 years as head coach.
In addition to her basketball coaching career, Willi was the head coach of the women’s lacrosse program from 1988 until taking over as head basketball coach. She earned 69 wins across her nine seasons and guided 12 players to All-ODAC honors, including the 1994 Player of the Year, Nicki Keeney. Willi was also named ODAC Coach of the Year after the 1991 season.
Willi also served as the head volleyball coach for one season where she led the Eagles to a 27-7 record in 1987.
On top of her coaching accolades, Willi served as an associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator at Bridgewater.
A 1980 graduate of Bridgewater, Willi was an All-State selection in basketball as she helped lead the Eagles to the 1980 Virginia Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women's (VAIAW) Division III championship. She still ranks among Bridgewater's top 10 rebounders, and her 264 rebounds during the 1979-80 season stands as the third-best total in school history. Willi also was a member of the Eagles' 1980 lacrosse squad that finished fourth nationally.
In recognition of her tremendous accomplishments on the field of play, behind the bench and administrative work, Jean Willi is worthy of induction into the Bridgewater College Athletic Hall of Fame.
