Sarah’s high school career concluded with a pair of her own state championships. After competing on the boys team during the regular season, Sarah played against the other top female golfers throughout Ohio in the postseason. However, it wasn’t until she arrived at Penn State that she was a part of a girls team for the first time.
Growing up, golf was a big part of her family’s life. Mark served as a mentor, coach and playing partner. Sarah’s mom, Kathy, is an avid runner who golfs occasionally, but always managed her kids’ schedule, travel and nutrition. Of course, Cameron was her stiffest competition.
“Golf has brought us so much,” Mark proudly explained. “Sarah took us to Augusta and we stood on the 18th green during the inaugural Drive, Chip & Putt. It’s tremendous.”
When making her college decision, Sarah wanted to join a program that felt like home. She was undecided on a major or academic focus, but was awestruck on her first visit to Penn State by the beauty and spirit of campus, even during the heart of winter. Sarah and her mom met with the coaches, toured campus that afternoon and attended a hockey game at night.
“It was surreal,” Willis said, noting that Penn State checked all the boxes. “I could tell that’s where I needed to be.”
Her four years in the program have only reinforced that decision.
“Our team is so close,” Willis continued. “It’s like a built-in family unit, despite being away from home for the first time. The culture of our team reflects the culture of Penn State. Everyone is helpful and driven.”
Once on campus, Willis settled on pursuing a degree in corporate innovation and entrepreneurship, observing the many connections between golf and the business world. Next year, she will utilize a fifth year of eligibility to complete her master’s degree in finance. After the COVID-19 pandemic stripped Willis and her new golf family of playing opportunities and access to all the athletic and academic resources available at Penn State, she said the decision was obvious.
“I’m not ready to leave yet,” Willis said. “I’ve had a lot of fun here. Everyone is hoping for you to be the best version of yourself.”
“We Are … very excited,” Mark proclaimed, in fatherly fashion. “She needs that chance. She just needs to swing a little slower. She swings very hard.”
Willis also still has her sights set on winning a Big Ten Championship during her time in Happy Valley. Her…
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