Kelsie Willard is a sophomore on the Fairland girls’ junior varsity basketball squad where she plays inside at the post position. Willard is known for her defensive prowess and rebounding as she averages double figures on the boards each junior varsity game. Head coach Justin Goins is excited about Willard’s future and has seen the improvement needed to have an impact at the varsity level.

“Kelsie is a reserve on our basketball team,” Goins said. “She plays a lot of junior varsity games and is a wonderful teammate who is always positive. She’s a very hard worker and shows up to practice every day. She’s also a good student who is very supportive of her teammates. She always tries to make her teammates better.”

Last season, Fairland finished 17-6 before getting knocked out of the area tournament. This season, the Lady Owls have already exceeded their win total with a record of 20-1. Fairland is currently on a 15-game winning streak and is ranked 7th in Class 2A.

Willard is also a part of the girls’ track & field team where she competes in the long jump, 100m dash, 400m relay, and 800m relay. Last season as a freshman, Willard and her two relay teams qualified for the state meet.

Upon graduation, Willard is thinking of joining the military to serve our country just like her mom, Michelle, who is currently in the Army. In her spare time, Willard enjoys spending it with her three younger brothers, Bentley, Brandon, and Brycen.