Q & A with Janine Willis

Janine, a two-time honorable mention all-Ivy selection has played a huge role in two Ivy League championships in her first two years at Princeton. With Janine, the Tigers have gone a combined 27-6-2 overall and have posted a 11-2-1 Ivy record.

Tell us a little bit about your background, where you are from, what your major is and how you came to the Ivy League.

I am Canadian born and raised, but my nationality is Jamaican-Chinese (my father is Jamaican and my mother is Jamaican-Chinese). I have an older brother who is back at home and a twin sister who attends Princeton with me. I am currently a sophomore and am deciding between a sociology and psychology major. My path to the Ivy League began with my being recruited for soccer. Everything after that came into place systematically.

Was there a time when you thought, "Hey, I could go to an Ivy League school" or was that always in your mind?

To be honest, I had never even thought about attending an Ivy League school until I got the letter in the mail one day. Even then, I was skeptical. It wasn't until I actually began contemplating it that I thought it might be a feasible option. I had originally been looking into an athletic scholarship for soccer to other American universities, so Princeton was not far from my initial game plan.

What perceptions did you have about the Ivy League when you first arrived?

My exact impression of the Ivy League was depicted in Carlton's character in the TV show 'The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.' I honestly thought that was what I had in store for me. I thought that Princeton was reserved for the wealthy and privileged few and that it would be difficult for me to fit in.

How have those perceptions met with reality?

Needless to say, my perceptions were wrong. This first became evident when I initially visited the campus, and I am still finding that out today. I guess my arrival experience was played down by the fact that I immediately became a part of an intricate group of friends (my team), and that my sister was right there with me. Even still, as I continue to meet new people, I am blown away by the beauty and depth of the people that this school attracts. There is so much talent surrounding me wherever I go, that I can't help but become more motivated myself.

What about going to an Ivy League school most appealed to you?

Prestige. The name that Princeton has achieved for itself goes unparalleled throughout the nation (as reflected in National rankings). The thought of having the opportunity to receive a top quality education and to be in an environment where I was surrounded by some of the most brilliant people around the world was an exciting one. Add to this that I would be competing at top Division I level competition, and my decision was made.

As an African-American, what experiences have stood out to you about adjusting to college in the Ivy League?

I actually went to a high school that was predominantly white, so coming to Princeton was not a huge adjustment. That said, the community has been a welcoming one. You have to adjust to any new environment that you are placed in, so nothing has been a surprise.

Since you've been in college, what have been some of the most memorable moments for you as an athlete and a student?

Every moment of being here has been a memory, some good, some bad, but I value each one of them. I guess some of the highlights would be scoring the team's first goal in the opening game of my first season, winning the Ivy League Championship two years in a row, and playing in big games against some of the League's top competitors. In terms of academics, being able to take courses that I previously would not have even thought of taking, and being taught by top quality professors are probably some of the greater points.

What historical figure do you admire most and why?

I have to give respect to Martin Luther King Jr. He fought for what he believed in and advocated the need for people to judge others based on strength of character rather than the color of their skin.

Who had the biggest influence on you as you grew up? Why?

I was a daddy's girl. My dad was the one that got me to start playing soccer in the first place, and he was the one that kept me going. That's not to say that he forced me to play, I love my sport, but he inspired me, and encouraged me, and gave me that little extra push when I needed it. Both of my parents played a huge part in my development as an individual. They kept me focused and grounded and taught me not to settle for mediocrity.

In an age of ultra-glorification of athletes and sports, what would be the best advice you could give to a middle schooler about the value of education, and the best role for sports in their education?

Allow your athleticism to be an avenue to your success, don't make it your destination. So many people get caught up in their sport and make the mistake of putting it first. Always, always, put school first. You never know when your athletic career will be cut short. I'm not saying not to concentrate on being an athlete, go Pro if that's your dream, just make sure that it's not the only option you are left with in the end. Be a complete individual; cultivated in mind, body, and soul.

What would be the best advice you could give to a young African-American who has aspirations to attend an Ivy institution?

Make the sacrifices. I'm not going to lie, it will be hard, you will have to miss out on a lot of things your friends are doing, and there will be times when you will want to give up, but that is the case in achieving any great success. Set your goal, and commit yourself to it. Don't sell yourself short. Also, one of the most important things I learned in the application process is that schools are not just looking for someone that is "book smart." Like I said before, a complete individual is much more desirable. Spend time doing volunteer work and things that will set you apart from other individuals. If you distinguish yourself as an individual, you will come to find your place amongst the distinguished.

***Please note, this story was written for a previous Ivy League Black History Month celebration. It is reproduced here for archival purposes and has not been updated.***