Beach Volleyball

FRESHMAN (2017): Played in one scoring dual at No. 5 during her first season with the team … teamed up with Callie Jones against Sacramento State in the Bronco home opener (March 8).

PRIOR TO SCU: Played volleyball at Legend High School in Parker, Colo. …  coaches were Katie Winsor and Amanda Gossel … the Titans made the Colorado Class 5A Region 8 Tournament four times and Colorado State Tournament three times in her four years … missed 2015 season due to injury … First Team All-Conference in 2014 … Second Team All-Conference in 2013 … Honorable Mention All-Conference in 2012.

PERSONAL: Born in Denver … parents are Andrew and Bonnie Willems … has two older brothers, Brian and Eric … hobbies include reading, writing, baking, skiing, drawing, painting and photography … career goals include working in sakes, preferably for a company that deals with engineering equipment.

WHY WILLEMS CHOSE SANTA CLARA: “I chose Santa Clara because I believe it to be the greatest college in America. I was lucky enough to get a scholarship, but honestly, the academics, location, and people of Santa Clara make it the perfect school — even without athletic involvement. They have top 25 most successful/highest paid graduates because the education that students get there is impeccable. It is one of the top business schools in the country and I will be honored to join the ranks of the students currently there. Also, the location makes it the perfect place. It is a warm climate, which is nice, but it is also located in the Silicon Valley, the hub of growth of our technology driven world. Finally, the people there were examples of what I hope to be. They were friendly, nice, and laid back while also being academically driven and motivated. I am extremely lucky to be given this opportunity, because in my mind, Santa Clara is the perfect school for me. This is why I chose it. Because I want to be successful in life, and attending Santa Clara University will give me the best opportunity to do that.”

HEAD COACH JON WALLACE ON WILLEMS: "Laura is a middle blocker with an explosive arm and she has a great spirit for the game."