By Ryan Schlehuber
CJ Willis, a sophomore baseball player at Western New England, broke the school’s all-time homerun record while he and his fellow teammates battled other teams across the country in Florida during spring break. Yes, you read that correctly. While collegiate athletic records are meant to stand the test of time, CJ Willis completely obliterated the record that stood before him in jaw-droppingly short order. Ever since his eighteenth moonshot sailed over that fence in Florida, CJ has sent two more baseballs out of play, upping his total to twenty for his career.
When asked about the origins of his passion for baseball, CJ noted the importance of one significant figure in his life. “I’ve always loved baseball. I started when I was five playing wiffle ball with my dad, and ever since, he’s been pushing me to be the best baseball player I could be. He does anything I ask him to do and helps me in any way I need.” CJ later added, “My dad does everything for me. He tells me what I’m doing wrong or right and always helps me correct the mistakes.” When discussing his father’s impact on him, it was clear how important their relationship was. Because of this, I wanted CJ to dive deeper into the impact his father had on him. Specifically, I asked him how beneficial it is to have his father in a coach-like role. CJ, excited to praise his father further, said, “It’s extremely beneficial. Anytime you’re down, they’re always there to pick you up. Oppositely, when I’m up, he’s always the one that tells me I still have stuff to improve on. He gives all his time and effort to see me succeed and I try to play my best to make him proud.”
While the early years of CJ’s baseball journey were spent atop many peaks, a deep, dark, and painful valley was ventured through as well.
While preparing for a critical year in the college recruitment process, CJ endured not one but two hip injuries that knocked him out of high school and summer ball. CJ called this devastating stretch the lowest point of his baseball career. CJ explained the difficulties that followed these injuries. “I had little options coming out of prep school due to Covid and the lack of playing due to my injuries.” While many athletes suffering similar fates would let injuries end their future aspirations in sport, CJ became wildly resilient and turned his injuries into a positive. CJ said, “One thing I did to get me out of my low point was really putting emphasis [on] mobility and strengthening the small muscles in my legs. Coming off the injury, it actually allowed me to get a lot faster and stronger.” Following his injuries, CJ assessed his options regarding college and ended up making a difficult decision. He took a post-grad year at Brighton Academy, which was a phenomenal decision. CJ described his time at Brighton Academy as “the most beneficial year of my life.” CJ also added, “I got to play a lot more games and focus on my schoolwork. I got good grades there and transferred in a lot of credits which allows me to have a great balance of school and baseball.”
Coming out of Brighton and into the college recruitment circuit, one man made an impression on CJ that led to his commitment to Western New England. “WNE was one of three schools interested. I just loved coach Gomez and knew he’d be the best fit.” To me, a player and coach dynamic can be so fascinating. I wanted to know more about CJ and Coach Gomez. [Coach Gomez is] the one who gave me every opportunity to get on the field and play at WNE. I’ll forever be grateful for him. The biggest thing he does is let me do me. He allows me to use my knowledge of the game and play free. He always gives me little tips to improve on, but he’s never tough on me unless he needs to give me a boost.”
Throughout any journey in the world of athletics, there will be joyous ups and humbling downs. This star of the Western New England baseball team is no different. However, what sets CJ apart from others who experience the ebbs and flows of a career in sports, is the way he has dealt with adversity. Surrounding himself with the type of people he has, and putting in the work after an injury, has put him in the spot where he is today.
