11 Cheer-Worthy Moments in Willett Hall History | longwood.edu/
11 Cheer-Worthy Moments in Willett Hall History | longwood.edu/
11 Cheer-Worthy Moments in Willett Hall History
Thunderous dunks. Threes that snap the net. Concerts that rattle the bleachers. And one live debate that launched Longwood into the national spotlight.
For 42 years, Willett Hall has been home to some of the most iconic moments in Longwood history from its commanding central campus presence on Brock Commons. After this season—the final one the Lancers will play on Willett hardwood—Willett will continue to be used for academic classes while transitioning to a different role within athletics with its Basketball Performance Center. It will also house space for new initiatives in sport, recreation and wellness.
Iconic players have competed in Willett Hall throughout its history— names that not only adorn the walls but live on in the memories of alumni who sat in the bleachers and cheered them on. Jerome Kersey ’84. Kevin Jefferson ’90. Ana Litton ’94. Colin Ducharme ’01. Carmille Barnette ’91. Antwan Carter ’12. Akila Smith ’22. And, of course, the winningest coach in Longwood history, Shirley Duncan.
Willett Hall, originally Lancer Hall when it was opened in 1980, has gone through many iterations and upgrades over the last four decades. From 2006-08, extensive renovations led to upgraded seating, an addition on the back of the building for rehab and treatment, new lighting and expanded locker rooms that transformed the facility into a modern gym fit for a new Division I program.
The building is named after Longwood’s 20th president, Dr. Henry I. Willett Jr., who served from 1967-81 and oversaw Longwood’s transformation from an all-female school primarily for teachers to a fully coeducational and comprehensive institution. Willett Hall was completed and opened while he was president.
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