STANFORD, Calif. – Stanford middle-distance standout Roisin Willis announced on Friday evening that she will forego the remainder of her NCAA eligibility and begin her professional running career.
“These past few years have brought a series of highs and lows—moments that have tested and refined my character and taught me how to show up authentically in my sport,” Willis said in her announcement. “I am excited to take on this new chapter with faith and a humble spirit to test my limits in this sport.”
Willis concludes her collegiate career as one of the most decorated runners in program history. The 2025 NCAA Outdoor 800-meter champion and 2025 800-meter U.S. champion, Willis became just the fourth athlete to win both titles in the same season. She also won NCAA indoor titles in the 800m and distance medley relay in 2023, and leaves The Farm as the program record-holder in the indoor 600m, indoor 4x400m relay, and both indoor and outdoor distance medley relays.
On the international stage, Willis is a two-time U20 World Champion, breaking the meet record to win the 800m gold medal, along with a 4×400 relay World title for Team USA at the 2022 U20 World Championships in Cali, Colombia.
An eight-time All-American, Willis earned five first-team honors, and collected 800m conference titles in both the ACC (2025) and Pac-12 (2024) during her career. The Stevens Point, Wis., native twice earned All-ACC First Team recognition and was named USTFCCCA West Region Women’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year last season. She also received the USTFCCCA West Region Women’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Year honor in 2023.
In the classroom, Willis garnered First Team Academic All-America honors in 2024, and is a three-time USTFCCCA All-Academic honoree (2023-25) and three-time Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll selection (2023-24).
“This team will always have a special place in my heart,” Willis said. “Thank you, Stanford, for the past three years. I am so grateful.”
