Prior to Owens: Willis played for Youngstown State University prior to transferring to Owens.

High School: 1999 Anthony Wayne High School graduate, Whitehouse, Ohio, where she was a three-time First Team All-Northern Lakes League and First Team All-District selection. Named team MVP, Willis also earned Third Team All-Ohio honors. She was selected during the basketball season by WNWO TV-24 as the Player of the Week.