University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Black History Month: Todea-Kay Willis
2/1/2018 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
In honor of Black History Month, Gopher Athletics is celebrating those who made us great. Throughout February, GopherSports.com will share short interviews with African-American alumni from almost every Gopher program. In these interviews, former student-athletes reflect on their time at the U of M, provide advice to current Gophers and share what Black History Month means to them personally.
Name: Todea-Kay Willis
Sport(s): Women's Track & Field
Years: 2008 - 13
Hometown: Gordon Town, St. Andrew, Jamaica
Occupation: Professional Athlete/Coach
What is it you honestly miss most about the University?
I have always admired the University for its efforts to ensure that everyone can have a well-rounded, quality education. Providing a variety of resources whether through money management workshops or resume review sessions with corporate recruiters, among others for personal and professional development, left an indelible mark on me. Everyone I interacted with during my time there always sought to do their best to connect student-athletes to the right opportunities. Furthermore, I'm a big fan of volunteerism and social outreach and have always enjoyed the opportunities to give back in meaningful ways, whether it's reading to children at the elementary level, visiting St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or at the Hope Festival. I honestly miss all those things.
If you could give the current student-athletes any piece of advice, what would it be?
Try to take all the advantage of the opportunities presented for your personal and professional growth. They may seem irrelevant or unimportant now but know that they are created with you in mind, and there are people who genuinely want to see you succeed. Also, it's not too early to start working on your resumes or to prepare for that internship or job you want. Being proactive about your success is key!
Please share your favorite university or athletic event you've attended since you graduated and what made it so special to you?
My favorite event I've attended since graduating is the annual African American Alumni dinner. It's always a great opportunity to connect with and learn from different generations of Gophers, and particularly to help the current Gophers at the time. I was able to forge meaningful relationships during my time as an athlete through that event, relationships that still impact me to this day. And not to mention when you add food and fun it's always a good time!
What are you grateful for?
I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Gopher family and to have had the chance to play my part in strengthening the legacy of excellence in the Track and Field family. I'm also really grateful for the relationships I've gained, the lessons learned and the opportunity to pass on the experience to others.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
A specific period of time to recognize and celebrate black excellence in all aspects of life!
What occupies your time now?
Training and competing full time, organizing and implementing social and spiritual empowerment events with the youths in my church community, and most of all spending quality time with my family.