Chad Willis enters his eighth season in the Wake Forest volleyball program. After serving as an assistant coach for the first seven years, Willis was promoted to Associate Head Coach prior to the 2012 season. On the court, Willis supervises the training of the setters and coordinates offensive systems. Off the court, Willis serves as the recruiting coordinator and as an assistant camp director.
In his first year at Wake Forest in 2005, Willis was largely responsible for the top-notch incoming freshman class that included three standout prep players. Additionally, he supervised the training of All-ACC setter Erin Borhart and helped lead the Demon Deacons to one of the most successful ACC seasons in program history.
In his second season in 2006, Willis again was instrumental in bringing in a highly-regarded recruiting class. On the court, Willis helped tutor freshman setter Dylan Faulkner, who ran the offense as the lone setter on the roster. In 2007, Willis guided freshman setter Kelsey Jones to a spot on the All-ACC Freshman Team.
Willis joined the Deacs after a one-year stint at Elon, where the Phoenix earned a 19-14 overall record and a Southern Conference Tournament bid. Willis worked with Elon's setters, helping Emily Hayes to second team all-conference honors. He also coordinated recruiting and monitored the student-athletes' academics.
Prior to his tenure at Elon, Willis served as the head coach for the women's volleyball club program at James Madison. Willis spent three successful seasons with the Dukes, leading them to the 2004 NIRSA National Championship.
In addition, Willis served as the student assistant coach for the women's varsity team for two seasons. He helped the Dukes to their second consecutive Colonial Athletic Association title and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2000.
A 2005 graduate of James Madison, Willis had a successful playing career, where he was the starting setter for the James Madison men's club volleyball team. He led James Madison to three top-10 finishes at the national tournament, while earning All-American honors twice.
He also led JMU to three straight Southern EIVA Championships and was a two-time Southern EIVA Most Valuable Player. Willis was also named to the Southern EIVA first team each year that he played. Prior to his stint at James Madison, Willis was the assistant coach for the Mary Washington College women's volleyball team.
Still a competitive player, Willis is an active member of the TBVBC International Jammers, where he was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2005 Adult USA National Championship, where the team won the tournament.
Willis and his wife Caroline were married on June 6, 2009. The couple currently resides in Winston-Salem, N.C.
