Hood College women's basketball junior forward Jen Willison (Hancock, Md./Hancock) is this week's featured athlete in the CAC's "Introducing ..." feature.  Willison is a three-year starter who is currently second in the CAC in scoring (19.2) and leads the conference in rebounding (12.3).

What is your background in the sport you play?   I started playing basketball when I was about seven. I started by playing in an afterschool league for my elementary school; both of my older brothers played so it was only expected that I do the same. It didn't take long for me to catch on to the game, and in no time I was the leading scorer of my first team. Ever since then I have loved the game, whether it was playing pick-up in my driveway with my brothers or playing in front of a crowd at a game. 

What is your favorite spot on campus?  My favorite spot on campus is the quad in front of my dorm! When the weather is nice, my friends and I love to soak up the sun while working on our homework outside!

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?   I am a part of Hood's softball team as well as SAAC (Student Athletic Advisory Committee), I am a part of my dorm's House Council, and I volunteer my Friday nights to Frederick Memorial Hospital at the Surgical Information desk.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  The most important societal issue that I have found college students face is multitasking! Trying to stay on top of you grades and school work as well as play a sport, be a part of clubs, and still make time to meet new friends and maintain a relationship with them tends to become a challenge.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   My major is biochemistry, and I have learned is not to stress out! Being stressed and letting that overcome you does not help you get assignments done on time, you just have to sit yourself down and get your work done. Excessive worrying only leads to further procrastination, and you have to teach yourself to work through that!

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  My high school assistant basketball coach has been a very influential person in my life.  Not only did he teach me the love of the game (and the necessary skills), but he taught me to never give up and that anything can be accomplished if you set your mind to it and work for it.  He once told me "hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard".  I have found that this idea not only is true for sports, but in real life as well.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   Stay active! Whether it is in school, a sport, or an after school club; just stay active in something you truly believe in...and do what makes YOU happy!

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  Besides chick-flicks, my entertainment of choice would be going to a baseball game.  There is just something about the atmosphere at a baseball game that I love!

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?    Steve Nash from the Phoenix Suns, he is just a family favorite, and the NY Yankees.  For as long as I can remember my family has been Orioles fans and I was determined to root for a team that no one else in my family liked. That way when it came time to watch games there would be some competition in the house! Therefore, when I was little I chose to be a Yankees fan and have been ever since!