Despite Youth, Wills Makes an Impact

Iowa State has started its new era with some notable performances. From the highest season-opening score in 20 years to, most recently, their highest home score since 2006. A large part of the early-season success has come from four freshmen who compete across a multitude of events. Among those four freshmen is Paige Wills.

Wills, a Kimberton, Pa., native, is having a great start to the year and is doing so at just the age of 16, making her one of the youngest athletes at the collegiate level. Wills isn't just on a collegiate roster at 16 but is cracking the top six lineups in vault (where she led off last meet) and bars (where she anchored last meet).

Wills has competed in three events across the first three meets for the Cyclones to begin the year: vault, bars and floor. She has particularly stood out on vault with two 9.85 scores just three meets in. Her vault has helped Iowa State become the 11th-ranked team in that event.

Paige's journey to college has not been a typical path. She was able to come in early due to skipping second grade and then excelled in the classroom to fly through her high school credits, allowing her to graduate a year early.

"This was super exciting for me as I was able to get a jump start on the college recruiting process, and I was so excited to come to Iowa State," Wills said. Though some may find being in college at age 16 a challenge, she has found it to be exciting, and the experience is precisely what she wanted.

"College so far has been what I have expected. There is always a lot going on, and I am always super busy, but I have been able to get into a good routine. Being here and being younger has been super exciting, and just beginning this new phase of my life has been a great experience. I am just embracing every second of it." Embracing it, she has as she is off to a great start and looking to carry forward with that momentum.

Even coming in with confidence and all this excitement, it still may be a daunting task for someone so young to fit in with other college athletes. However, that has never been a thought for Paige as she has loved every second of being with the team and being coached by this coaching staff.

"I love the coaches and the team dynamic we have here. We all work incredibly well together. The coaches are so good at pushing and encouraging us to strive to improve. Everyone here has a passion for the sport. This really shows in everything we do, as we are off to a great start just three meets in. I see big things in the future for this season and the following seasons," Wills explained.

Paige's story is definitely unique at the college level, but with the coaching staff and gymnasts being such a tight-knit group, it has made for an easy transition to college life.

Players Mentioned

Paige Wills

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics