Virginia is a school that prides itself on its traditions, but for Virginia field hockey junior back Phoebe Willis, the tradition goes beyond rituals and institutions. The Fredericksburg, Va. native is a sixth-generation Cavalier, continuing a long family legacy that stretches back for more than a century.
Since 1861, every generation of Willis' family has managed to send somebody to Virginia, and her family takes a lot of pride in its history, developing what Willis jokingly called "a family cult." Thus far, the Willis family has produced 17 Virginia graduates, including her father, who earned both undergraduate and law degrees from Virginia. Willis said she knew at an early age that she wanted to attend Virginia. Since the very beginning, the University culture has almost been a way of life for Willis.
"Before I was even born, I was coming to Virginia," Willis said. "My first Halloween costume was a Virginia cheerleading costume. I think my second word was 'wahoo.'"
For her family, Willis' arrival in Charlottesville may have been a forgone conclusion, but the back recalled times that she experienced a desire to branch out and find her own way.
"When I was a teenager, I hit that rebellious stage and didn't want to do what everyone else in my family was doing, and claimed I was never going to go to U.Va.," Willis said. "But my hardheadedness wore off a bit, and I'm so glad I'm here."
Willis believes that field hockey has helped her forge her own path and distinguish herself from the other members of her family, including her sister, a current second year. Coming out of high school as a first team All-State selection in 2008, Willis has worked hard to help bolster the Cavaliers' attack, recording her first points last year against Radford. Before coming to Virginia, she served as a member of 2008 U-19 National Futures Team, and led her high school team to a runner-up finish in the state championships.
"Both of my cousins were really into Greek life, and I took the athletics route and student government," Willis explained. "My sister is really into environmental conservation and sings in a church choir on Grounds. There's so many things to do at U.Va., and I think we've each found our own niche in the University."
Despite the fact that her family expresses interests in a variety of activities, athletics has always played a crucial role in the Willis family. Willis' grandmother, who was a member of Richmond's field hockey team during college, inspired her granddaughter to pursue success as a field hockey player, and her family has always emphasized the importance engaging in an active lifestyle.
"Everyone enjoys being outdoors and sports," Willis said regarding her family. "As a kid growing up, we never watched television and always went outside and played. I think that active lifestyle contributed a lot to me being here."
Although field hockey ultimately drove her to the school, Willis believes her experiences thus far at Virginia have only confirmed her decision to attend and continue her family's rich Cavalier history.\n"I really think I made the right choice," she said. "[Not playing field hockey] would completely change my experience at the University, but I'm sure I'd still have a great time."
While living up to the University's many traditions may seem daunting to many, Willis hopes to ensure that her family's long-lasting history at Virginia will continue into the future. She is encouraging her two younger siblings, who already have their sights set on coming to Virginia, to embrace the family legacy.
"I think U.Va. is a great school," Willis said. "And I'd love for my kids to come here"
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