ANDERSON, S.C. – The Anderson University Athletics Department and Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Communications and Marketing Michael Sanders have announced the addition of Haylee Willis to the Trojan Family, joining the department as Assistant Director for Sports Information.

"I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to join the Trojan Family," commented Willis. "After spending the past year growing in athletic operations, I am excited to transition back into sports information and continue telling the stories of student-athletes and teams. I am thankful for the Lord's guidance throughout this process and for the opportunity to serve Anderson's student-athletes and coaches. Anderson is a special place, and I look forward to bringing my experience, creativity, and passion for storytelling to this role." 

"Haylee brings a unique combination of experience that made her stand out throughout our search," added Sanders. "Her background in athletic communications, game operations, and as a former student-athlete gives her a well-rounded perspective that will be a tremendous asset to our department. We are excited to welcome her to the Trojan Family and look forward to the creativity, professionalism, and passion she will bring to Anderson Athletics."

Willis joins Anderson after spending the past year as the Athletic Operations Coordinator at Columbia International University. In that role, Willis assisted with daily athletic operations, game-day management, travel coordination, student worker coordination, and administrative responsibilities while continuing to collaborate with the communications department.

Prior to serving as Athletic Operations Coordinator, Willis spent two years as the Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant at CIU. During her time with the Rams, she served as the primary contact for women's soccer, cross country, women's basketball, baseball, and softball. Willis was responsible for website management, statistical input, social media content creation, and written recaps for multiple sports.

"Haylee will be a tremendous addition to an already outstanding athletic communications department at Anderson," said Gordie Frierson, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications at Columbia International University. "I truly believe she is one of the rising stars in our profession, and I have no doubt she will continue to thrive and make a significant impact in the Upstate."

Willis began her career with CIU as the athletics communications intern during the 2022-23 academic year, where she assisted with preseason interviews, photography, graphic design, and postgame recaps for women's soccer, women's basketball, and baseball.

A former student-athlete, Willis was a four-year member of the CIU softball team. During the 2021 season, she was named to the NCCAA Softball World Series All-Tournament Team during the Rams' historic run in the World Series.

Willis earned her Master's degree in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University in May 2025 after graduating summa cum laude in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications & Bible.

Willis resides in Simpsonville with her husband, Carter, who was a member of the 2021 CIU baseball NCCAA World Series Championship team.