She always intended to complete her master’s program in the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, but Jocelyn Willoughby hadn’t planned to return to the classroom so quickly.
An injury changed that. Willoughby, a former Cavalier basketball star, was beginning her second year with the WNBA’s New York Liberty when she tore her left Achilles tendon during a scrimmage in May. She’d signed a contract to play professionally in France after the WNBA season ended last year, but Willoughby had to void that deal and begin the long rehabilitation process.
She made the best of an unfortunate situation. Willoughby, who’d needed only three years to earn a bachelor’s degree in global studies from UVA, was halfway through her master’s program when she left Charlottesville in the spring of 2020 to pursue her pro career. As she weighed her options after the Achilles injury, Willoughby decided a return to Grounds made sense, and she re-enrolled in Batten at the start of this academic year.
“I said, ‘Well, I have a year left. I can do my rehab here in Charlottesville, and I have one year left in my master’s program. So let’s get it done,’” Willoughby recalled. “And so there’s been a silver lining.”
The 6-foot Willoughby, who led the Atlantic Coast Conference in scoring during her senior season at UVA, was the 10th overall pick in the WNBA draft in April 2020. After her first season with the Liberty, she played in Israel and then returned to the United States last spring.
She’d dealt with nagging injuries at times during her basketball career, but nothing as serious as a torn Achilles. Her rehab, she said, is going well.
“I’m making good progress,” said Willoughby, whose 1,677 career points rank No. 9 all-time at Virginia. “It’s interesting. Obviously, injuries are part of the game and sports – some more acute than others. Seeing other people go through injuries, you don’t necessarily have an appreciation for how long of a process it is, so I’m having to really celebrate the small victories and steps throughout.
“It’s a long process, but I’m making really good headway to get back, and I’m excited about getting back on the court and being able to do what I normally do.”
Her injury, Willoughby said, has given her a different perspective on the sport to which she’s dedicated untold hours over the years.