WILDCAT SPOTLIGHT
driving positive change
Raised by an adopted family in Oregon, Divenson Willis hopes to one day return to his homeland of Haiti to lead rebuilding efforts
by Kellen wiggins ’28
From an orphanage in Haiti to a wrestling mat at Linfield University, Divenson Willis has had an inspiring collegiate athletic career shaped by resilience, adaptability and determination.
Initially recruited to play football at Linfield, Willis discovered new purpose in wrestling when his football journey did not work out the way he had envisioned. Balancing his roles as a student-athlete, president of the Black Student Union and a sergeant in the Oregon Army National Guard, Willis has learned how to work through challenges, using each experience to sharpen his leadership skills and strengthen his connection with others. One day, Willis hopes to use those experiences and his Linfield education to work in the field of sports management with hopes of creating positive athlete experiences, promoting inclusivity within sports and making a difference in his homeland.
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Willis quickly learned to adapt to life’s challenges. He and his brother lived at God’s Little Angels, an orphanage, before being adopted and moving to Oregon, settling first in Roseburg and later in North Bend.
The transition introduced Willis to new experiences in various sports such as football, swimming and wrestling. He went on to serve as Associated Student Body President at North Bend High School, gaining many more quality values.
“Growing up in these communities, I immersed myself in various activities…these diverse experiences instilled in me a strong work ethic, leadership skills and adaptability.”
When Willis initially committed to attend Lin field, it was to play football, but unfortunately, he was not suited for the college game. Willis got another opportunity to develop a passion in sports when he was invited to join Linfield’s newly formed wrestling program.
Willis has bridged his connection to his native heritage through athletics. He uses the experience to shape how he approaches teamwork and leadership.
“It has also enhanced my perspective as a student-athlete, reminding me of the broader impact we can have beyond the field or mat,” he says. “Advocating for diversity and fostering a sense of belonging has become integral to my identity, influencing how I approach teamwork and leadership in sports.”
Adding to Willis’s foundation of valuable life experiences are his four years of involvement with the Oregon Army National Guard, for which he now holds the rank of Sergeant. Following his graduation from Linfield in May, Willis will be preparing for an upcoming deployment.
“Undergoing Basic Combat Training was a pivotal experience,” he says. “It’s provided me with a new perspective on my physical and mental limits.”
Throughout his military training, Willis was physically and mentally challenged. This included being pushed to perform at his best, even when lacking sleep. The perseverance in Willis’ life helped him prepare to face these challenges. He believes these experiences empower him to fully engage in his roles confidently.
Willis also serves a crucial role as president of the Black Student Union. He describes the leadership role as “instrumental” in connecting him to his Haitian heritage. He’s felt since his adoption, there has been a disconnect from his cultural roots, leaving him feeling empty.
At Linfield, Willis is nearing completion of a master’s degree in Design and Innovation.
He aims to use a passion for sports and his innovative mind to enhance athlete experiences and promote inclusivity in sports.
Willis also aims to make a difference is his homeland of Haiti, a country that’s endured many natural disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding and droughts.
The nation is still recovering from a devastating earthquake in 2010 that killed over 220,000 and displaced 1.5 million.
“I plan to continue my involvement in community initiatives, leveraging my leadership experiences to drive positive change,” he says happily.
“Specifically, I aspire to engage in philanthropic work in Haiti. By being actively engaged throughout college, I’ve gained skillsets to allow me to take on anything.”
LINFIELD WILDCATS
MEN
NAME YR./EL. CLASS HOMETOWN / PREVIOUS SCHOOL
Shoaib Amanzad So./So. 125
Jacob Barnes Sr./Jr. HWT
Hayden Briggs Fr./Fr. 157
Fermin Carrillo Rueda Fr./Fr. 157
Nestor Diaz Fr./Fr. 184
Ethan Ensrud So./So. 174
Jonathon Fagen So./So. 184
Caleb Hall Fr./Fr. 184
Beaverton, Ore. / International School
McMinnville, Ore. / Oregon State Univ.
McMinnville, Ore. / McMinnville
Portland, Ore. / Milwaukie
Vancouver, Wash. / Union
Canby, Ore./ Canby
Fruitland, Idaho / Fruitland
Sedro-Woolley, Wash. / Sedro-Woolley
Carlos Kisokwa Fr./Fr. 141/149 Pasco, Wash. / Kamiakin
Lucien Lefebvre Jr./Jr. 184
Max Vander Meide So./So. 133
Jacob Moore Jr./Jr. 133
Dawson Morrow So./So. 165
McMinnville, Ore. / McMinnville
McMinnville, Ore. / McMinnville
Keizer, Ore. / Silverton
Westlake Village, Calif. / Oaks Christian
Julian Ortiz Jr./Jr. HWT Salem, Ore. / South Salem
Jack Parrott Jr./Jr. HWT Turlock, Calif. / Turlock
Alex Tapia Jr./Jr. 157
Brian Walker So./So. 165
Divenson Willis Sr./Sr. 197
Roan Zigenis Fr./Fr. 184
WOMEN
Warrenton, Ore. / Warrenton
Hillsboro, Ore. / Hillsboro
North Bend, Ore. / North Bend
Gardnerville, Nev. / Douglas
NAME YR./EL. CLASS HOMETOWN / PREVIOUS SCHOOL
Paige Chafin Jr./Jr. 124
Sophie Cornwall Sr./Jr. 131
Tori Debold Fr./Fr. 103
Sophia Dunckel Fr./Fr. 110
Klaira Flatt Jr./Jr. 143
Jaydn Islas Fr./Fr. 131
Ayana Medina Jr./Jr. 160
Abcde Murphy Fr./Fr. 131
Abisua Perez Diaz Jr./Jr. 160
Alice Rickett Jr./Jr. 143
Kelsie Rush So./So. 117
Emily Sullenger Jr./Jr. 138
HEAD COACH: Frank Johnson (first year)
ASSISTANT COACHES: Alex Glaudé, Tim Hess
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Paulina Fabela-Santos
Sweet Home, Ore. / Eastern Oregon University
Ketchikan, Alaska / Ketchikan
Dededo, Guam / Academy of Our Lady of Guam
McMinnville, Ore./ McMinnville
Siletz, Ore. / Toledo
Milwaukie, Ore. / Milwaukie
Hillsboro, Ore. / Hillsboro
Salem, Ore. / McNary
Portland, Ore. / Benson
Hillsboro, Ore. / Hillsboro
Sweet Home, Ore. / Sweet Home
Cascade Locks, Ore. / Hood River Valley
LINFIELD WOMEN
paige chafin 124 | Junior Sweet Home, Oregon
sophie cornwall 131 | Senior Ketchikan, Alaska
klaira flatt 174 | Junior Siletz, Oregon
jaydn islas 131 | Freshman Milwaukie, Oregon
tori debold 103 | Freshman Dededo, Guam
Sophia Dunckel 110 | Freshman McMinnville, Oregon
AYANA MEDINA 160 | Junior Hillsboro, Oregon
abcde murphy 131 | Freshman Salem, Oregon
kelsie Rush 117 | Sophomore Sweet Home, Oregon
emily Sullenger 138 | Junior Sweet Home, Oregon
Abisua perez diaz 160 | Junior Portland, Oregon
Alice rickett 143 | Junior Hillsboro, Oregon
UMPQUA WOMEN
NAME
Isabel Brown
Anjolina Espinoza
Taryn Evans
Bella Eyler
Selene Farris
Ytzel Figueroa Rivera
Hailey Gordon
Talia Katzenberger
Vaea LaMoureaux
Arianna Mauch
Kaylin Montano
Sophia Perry
Maria Angelina Pillejera
Myra Pressnell
Juliana Raabe
Sierra Rieschick
Tarleen Saroya
Tarnpreet Saroya
Dezire Solis
Isabella Sosa
Angelique Trueblood
Destiny Ware
Jessica Williams
Brooklyn Wilson
HEAD COACH: Chris McCoy
ASSISTANT COACH: Matt Barrett
YR. HOMETOWN /
PREVIOUS
SCHOOL
Fr. Amboy, Wash. / Battle Ground
So. Mountain Home, Idaho / Mountain Home
So. Monterey Park, Calif. / Schurr
Fr. Oakland, Ore. / Oakland
So. Palmer, Alaska / Mat Su Career Tech
Fr. Lancaster, Penn. / JP McCaskey
Fr. Sutherlin, Ore. / Oakland
Fr. Yuba City, Calif. / River Valley
So. Reardan, Wash. / Reardan
Fr. Gilbert, Ariz. / Perry
Fr. Indio, Calif. / Shadow Hills
Fr. Elizabethton, Tenn. / Elizabethton
Fr. Everett, Wash. / Everett
Fr. Sunnyvale, Calif. / Fremont
So. Hillsboro, Ore. / Hillsboro
Fr. Boerne, Texas / Smithson Valley
So. Caledon, Ont. / Mayfield
So. Caledon, Ont. / Mayfield
Fr. Portland, Ore. / McDaniel
Fr. Montebello, Calif. / Schurr
So. Chico, Calif. / Pleasant Valley
So. San Marcos, Calif. / San Marcos
Fr. Vale, Ore. / Vale
Fr. Roseburg, Ore. / Douglas
LINFIELD MEN
Shoaib Amanzad 125 | Sophomore Beaverton, Oregon
hayden briggs 157 | Freshman McMinnville, Oregon
caleb hall 184 | Freshman Sedro-Woolley, Washington
nestor diaz 184 | Freshman Vancouver, Washington
fermin carrillo rueda 157 | Freshman Portland, Oregon
dawson morrow 165 | Sophomore Westlake Village, California
Jacob Moore 133 | Junior Keizer, Oregon
carlos kisokwa 141/149 | Freshman Pasco, Washington
Jacob Barnes HWT | Senior McMinnville, Oregon
ethan ensRUd 174 | Sophomore Canby, Oregon
lucien lefebvre 184 | Junior McMinnville, Oregon
max vander meide 133 | Sophomore McMinnville, Oregon
julian Ortiz HWT | Junior Salem, Oregon
jack parrott HWT | Junior Turlock, California
jonathon fagen 184 | Sophomore Fruitland, Idaho
roan zigenis 184 | Freshman Gardenerville, Nevada
Frank Johnson Head Coach Second Year
alex glaudE´ Assistant Coach First Year
tim hess Character Coach Third Year
alex tapia 165 | Junior Warrenton, Oregon
Brian walker 165 | Sophomore Hillsboro, Oregon
divenson willis 197 | Senior North Bend, Oregon
paulina fabela-santos Administrative Assistant Second Year
NAME
Davian Arevalo Larios
Brody Baird
Ashton Brock
Logan Chapman
Kyron Dodds
Nicolas Garza
Hunter Hammer
Troy Hockett
Carson Jackson
Riley Jones
John Paul Lavarias
Hung Le
Jacob Logan
Chase Manski
Jeremiah Miller
Trey Munn
Scout Nash
Ethan Petrone
Haiden Randleas
Carter Scappini
Connor Schwab
Dylan Shaw
Anthony Thomas
Matthew Trulson
Steven Warren
Alijah Wedge
HEAD COACH: Chris McCoy
ASSISTANT COACH: Colton Beisley
UMPQUA MEN
YR. HOMETOWN / PREVIOUS SCHOOL
So. Salem, Ore. / McKay
Fr. Hillsboro, Ore. / Glencoe
So. Beaverton, Ore. / Aloha
So. Rainer, Ore. / Rainer
Fr. Dallas, Ore. / Dallas
So. Beaverton, Ore. / Southridge
So. Logan, Utah / Mountain Crest
Fr. Portland, Ore. / David Douglas
Fr. Warren, Ore. / St. Helens
Fr. Coquille, Ore. / Coquille
So. Anchorage, Alaska / Anchorage
Fr. Portland, Ore. / David Douglas
Fr. Myrtle Creek, Ore. / South Umpqua
Fr. El Dorado Hills, Calif. / Folsom
Fr. Rockaway Beach, Ore. / Neah-kah-nie
So. Roy, Utah / Syracuse
So. Sandpoint, Idaho / Sandpoint
So. Ore. City, Ore. / Ore. City
So. Roseburg, Ore. / Roseburg
Fr. Renton, Wash. / Hazen
Fr. Syracuse, Utah / Syracuse
So. Anchorage, Alaska / South Anchorage
So. Salem, Ore. / McNary
Fr. Corvallis, Ore. / Corvallis
Fr. Delta Junction, Alaska / Delta
Fr. Portland, Ore. / David Douglas
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