The men’s soccer team’s star forward has left Elon University for good, in an attempt to pursue his dream of playing professional soccer.
Former student Kiki Willis ended his career at Elon by signing a developmental contract with D.C. United, a Major League Soccer franchise.
Willis was recently acquired by the D.C. United of Major League Soccer during the waiver draft and is currently competing in Mexico to earn a spot on the main roster.
He left school in late January after being invited to the United’s combine and working out for the team.
“I went and played well at the combine and they have kept in touch with me ever since,” Willis said.
In two years at Elon, Willis has lit up the net and Southern Conference sports. He was named freshman of the year in his first season and has been at the top of the conference in scoring both years. The all-conference performer tallied eight goals last year, in only his second season on the team, but unfortunately for the team it would be his last.
The decision to leave was not one on instinct by Willis, but one that took months to decide upon.
“I thought about it a little bit during the season, but it didn’t really hit me until after the season,” Willis said. “When I thought it was time to showcase my skills and compete with the other pros.”
There are many cases in sports where leaving early is a mistake, but according to head coach Darren Powell, Willis has the ability to play at the next level.
“It wouldn’t surprise me whatever he did,” Powell said. “He could be Rookie of the Year and have a great season or it could take him two or three years to establish himself. With Kiki it’s just about him getting comfortable around his new teammates and seeing how well he can perform. Kiki will thrive in that environment; it will suit his game and suit his personality and allow him to focus on his soccer, against men. And hopefully he’s still got some maturing to do as a soccer player and hopefully he will do that in that environment. He’s got some special attributes and all the players I know that have gone into the MLS have those special attributes. With Kiki it is his ability to strike the ball equally hard with both feet and his leaping ability is exceptional.”
With all the positives both Willis and Powell know that for Willis to succeed it will be a mental competition.
“Kiki has to work on his day-to-day-consistency,” Powell said. “Some of that comes with experience.”
Just like the last two years, Willis is on the same page as Powell.
“It’s all mental, you have to push yourself through everything,” Willis said. “Once you overcome everything mentally then you’ll be fine. And that’s what I have to keep in mind.”
With Willis heading to the MLS the influence of Elon athletes in professional sports continues to grow. Anthony Catalanatto from last year’s men’s soccer team is currently fighting for a spot on the Charleston Battery. He and Willis are giving the Elon program national recognition.
“It reflects very positively on the program,” Powell said. “He’s the first player we’ve had from the Elon program to go in the MLS.”
Although this is a great opportunity for Willis it was a difficult choice for him to make.
“It was a tough decision because I did leave a lot behind at Elon but I didn’t leave it spiritually because there are a lot of people I still think about,” Willis said. “I’m at a point in my life when I need to move forward.”
While Elon was Willis’ first stop and now the MLS is his second, Willis is still looking forward to where his life will take him.
“I’d like to be in the premier league someday,” Willis said, “But right now the MLS is fine.”