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Willis' Molly McCollum
HOME GIRL: McCollum's bright future is ahead of her
“I moved from Conroe before high school, and it was an adjustment,” she said. “I love Willis High School, because of the small-town feel. I love the people and the community. It feels very personal here at Willis.”
McCollum has been in the Willis cheer program for four years and has been a captain for two years.
“Cheering is really fun, and I love being the face our of program in and outside of the community,” she said. “I’ve learned so much, like how to be a true leader. I’ve learned how to teach and listen to others. Cheer has opened me up to learning new things and taking constructive criticism. It’s like a big family.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
She is the baby of her big family... filled with siblings, cousins and aunts and uncles who have been wildly successful.
“I’ve always been really mature because I’ve always been around older people,” she said. “I’ve grown up old, if that makes sense. It has taught me how to listen and think things through, before I speak.
“All of my family are also entrepreneurs and own their own businesses. I definitely look up to them and they have showed me what work ethic looks like. My goal in life is to follow in their footsteps and surpass the goals I’ve set out for myself.”
McCollum is much more than pom-poms and sign painting. She has a pair of career paths she is looking towards... heading to Texas A&M to pursue communications or starting a cosmetology business.
“I want to manage social media for a professional or college sports team,” she said. “I love creating content and growing my platform. I could also do something with cosmetology because it is such growing field. Either way, I want to own my own business.
“My cosmetology path always helps me think about my future. It really prepares me for starting a business, because you get real-world experience on a day-to-day basis.”
As her high school days wind down, McCollum looks back fondly on her time inside the hallways of Willis.
It’s always been about the people.
“My high school counselor Cindy Atkinson had such a huge influence on my path,” she said. “I look up to her so much because she has helped me learn more about myself over the years.”
It’s not always about the books, it’s about the experience.
For McCollum, Willis High has been home.
Willis' Daylion Robinson
THE GLUE-GUY: Robinson the unsung puzzle piece of Willis' success in 2024
The 6-foot athlete didn’t leave the field much as a running back, receiver and defensive back.
“To play both ways, you have to be a good athlete, well-conditioned and smart,” he said. “You have to be an overall team player because you won’t get as much shine at your primary position because you are spread all over the field. You have to know the concepts on both sides of the ball and know where everyone needs to be on the field.”
D-Rob was the District Newcomer of the Year in 2022 as a sophomore. He accounted for over 750 yards of offense as a junior, as much of the offense went through Gatorade Player of the Year QB DJ Lagway.
“I’ve seen a lot of players, like DJ, make it big,” he said. “I just know I can do it too. I’m looking forward to an opportunity in college, where the coaches love me. I love football, it’s fun to me and I want to find an environment that will fill that space. I can’t wait.”
Bradley C. Collier (
The bar has been set at Willis under the direction of coach Trent Miller, and now Robinson and company yearn to continue the success from a year ago.
“It was a special year and a special team, but we want more this year,” he said. “We have worked so hard in the off-season and summer to keep this thing going. We want to come back strong and get to State.”
Robinson will be looked to for more production as a senior and he welcomes the responsibility.
“I want it to fall on me,”he said. “I lean to the offense just because I love scoring and making plays, but I like to play defense because my team needs me there. I’m pretty good at it.”
Fueled on his favorite snack of Hot Fries and chicken alfredo, Robinson loves to watch film of his favorite players Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles) and Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions), when he’s not working out or playing the game he loves.
“Honestly, my best memories come from football,” he said. “I love being with my guys. Times like hanging at the hotel at the State 7-on-7 Tournament and team dinners. It’s has just been my life for so long.”