Justin Willis (soccer)
Justin Randolph Willis (born April 15, 1988) is an American soccer player who currently plays for Carolina RailHawks in the North American Soccer League.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Justin Randolph Willis | ||
| Date of birth | April 15, 1988 | ||
| Place of birth | Raleigh, North Carolina, United States | ||
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Defender | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Carolina RailHawks | ||
| Number | 32 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2002–2006 | Raleigh CASL Elite | ||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2006–2009 | High Point Panthers | 41 | (3) |
| 2011 | NC State Wolfpack | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2009–2011 | Carolina RailHawks U23 | 28 | (5) |
| 2012 | Carolina RailHawks | 24 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of October 10, 2012 | |||
Career
High school
Justin played varsity soccer all four years at Wakefield High School in North Carolina from 2002 to 2006, He scored a goal in his first-ever high school varsity match. He also went on to become a two-time All-Conference selection and team captain.
College and amateur
Willis started his college career at High Point University from 2006 to 2009, where he appeared in 41 games, scoring 3 goals and 10 assists. Willis was named as an All-Freshman Honorable mention in 2006. Willis was named the team captain in 2009 before suffering a broken ankle 4 games into the season. Willis was able to medical redshirt during the 2009 season before he went on to later transfer at the end of the season to North Carolina State University of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Willis led the NC State Wolfpack to a top-20 ranking in the 2011 season. Willis was named to the 2011 All-Tournament team at The Duke Invitational. Willis started and played in all 21 games for the Wolfpack at right back, where he had an assist in the game-winner over #4 Boston College.
Throughout his college career Willis played for both the Cary Clarets and their predecessor Cary RailHawks U23's in the USL Premier Development League. In 2011 Willis played a key role in helping the Carolina Railhawks u23s win the Regional and National Championship.