All In A Days Work, Willer Qualifies For State Twice In One Day
Athletes are lucky to qualify for state maybe once in their career. For Linnea Willer of Freedom High School in Freedom, Wisconsin she qualified for state twice in one day (and the weekend before her club team, FC Elite 16 Navy qualified for Nationals for USAV by winning the Badger Region Qualifier).
Willer and her teammates from FC Elite celebrating a tournament victory.Forget multi-sport, that’s something Willer is beyond having a grasp on, she is doing it all her Sophomore year. This past Saturday, she qualified for State Solo Ensemble with her flute duet in the morning and then played in the Sectional Final basketball game in the afternoon where Freedom came out victorious against Kiel, advancing to the Wisconsin Division 3 state tournament where they will play Thursday afternoon at the Resch Center in Green Bay.
For Willer, excelling at a high level and being involved in her community is nothing new. She has been playing club for FC Elite out of the Appleton area for four years where she has developed into one of the top outside hitters in the Class of 2021. The past winter she was a participant in the AVCA Phenom Showcase at the NCAA Volleyball Final Four in Minneapolis as well as earning All State Honors.
Once her basketball season is over, she will transition into track where she will throw shot put and discus and continue being involved in Spanish Club, Biology Club, Symphonic Band, and the Student Athlete Advisory Board while still maintaining a 4.125 GPA with a schedule starting fill up with AP classes.
“Sometimes it feels like there just isn’t enough time in the day! I always strive to get everything done and do my work to the best of my abilities. I’ve found that if it is important to you, you will make time for it,” said Willer.
“I try to just continue staying involved, trying new things, and having fun with it even when times get tough. Some nights I will have to stay up late to finish homework after double practices, but that’s part of the ride. My grades are extremely important to me!”
The balancing act of different sports, clubs, and activities is something that can be a challenge for any high school student. For Willer, this has become routine, and has helped her find success in music and sports while developing skills that has helped bring out the best in herself that translates to all activities.
“Being involved in multiple activities absolutely helps everything. These life skills are transferable. Yes, my life is busy and full of activities, but I have increased stamina in everything overall. In my sports training, I have better cardio-fitness, increased strength, speed and agility, more aggressiveness and assertiveness, and I have practiced leadership skills. While traveling for club volleyball, I have learned to be very systematic and organized which helps in every aspect of life,” said Willer
Willer with Freedom High School qualifying for state basketball.“Sometimes band kids can be shy and scared to perform in public. For me, it’s no problem! Band is probably my favorite class. I love being there in the band room and the kids in band always make me laugh! I can’t imagine my life without them, so I just make time and juggle my activities.”
With basketball practice everyday and club practice two to three times a week with tournaments on the weekend, there is always a chance of conflict being involved in multiple activities. For those involved in multiple sports and club coaches working with students who are in multiple activities the communication is constant, sometimes unforeseen circumstances, and a level of flexibility from both parties.
“My parents and I are using phone calls, emails, and texts to communicate with coaches. This often happens during evenings, weekends and during summer breaks/vacations which I’m sure is hard on them. I often have conflicts with practices and even some games and tournaments. My coaches help me by providing guidance during my conflicts. My parents also help me know when and where to go for activities on most days to help me keep it straight. I would not be able to do what I do without the support and cooperation of my parents and all my coaches.”
Whether it be a big volleyball match, a basketball game to go to state, or a solo in band there is always an element of pressure. For athletes who are competing or musicians to be at their best when it really counts isn’t easy. For Willer, she has thrived in the big moment, and from that has seen a lot of success in all of her activities.
“I thrive in loud, close matches. I love it! It makes high pressure basketball games feel like just another game. I have already experienced working through the “mental” part of the game, so I think it is easier for me.”
Just another match, just another game, just another solo. Parents and coaches are continuously working towards developing all around people who will be successful in their communities. For Willer, that’s just another day with working hard for her teammates, her school, and her club. A definite role model and inspiration to future student athletes who continue to juggle multiple activities, even time to advance to a state level twice in one day in two different activities.