About The Founder, Willis Brownlee Foundation

Born and raised in Pass Christian, Mississippi, Willis Brownlee was destined for the court from day one. The son of Willie and Jacqueline Brownlee, Willis "was born with a basketball in his hand"—and from a young age, it was clear that the sport would shape his life in powerful ways.

Willis began playing recreational basketball at the age of 10 and quickly stood out for his talent and tenacity. By 12, he was competing on his middle school team but he was sidelined by a diagnosis of Osgood-Schlatter disease, requiring surgery and months of recovery on crutches. But setbacks only fueled his determination.

Back on the court in high school, Willis joined the junior varsity team at Pass Christian High School as a ninth grader. His journey then took a detour when Hurricane Katrina displaced his family, relocating him to Berkmar High School in North Atlanta, Georgia. There, his athleticism turned heads, but the call of home brought him back to Pass Christian midway through his sophomore year.

Leading up to his senior season, Willis played AAU basketball out of Jackson, MS, under the guidance of Chokwe Lumumba. That year, he broke into the top 10 players in the state, earned a spot as a Mississippi All-Star, won the state's dunk contest, and led his high school team to the state finals—all while graduating on time.

Although academic core requirements kept him from accepting Division I offers, Willis received a full scholarship to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC), where he faced another hurdle: a fractured tibia his freshman year. After months of recovery, he returned to help his team win regionals and compete at the Nationals in Kentucky.

Willis’s sophomore season at MGCCC saw him thrive, averaging 15 points and 8 rebounds per game, which led to his signing with Alcorn State University. There, he played under Coach Larry Smith and faced elite programs like Purdue, Kansas State, and Texas A&M, Nebraska and many more, gaining invaluable experience. Going into his senior year Willis transferred to Clark Atlanta University under coaches Dale Brown, Litterial Green and Mahmoud Abdul Rauf, where his skills flourished during a standout senior season.

Post-college, Willis pursued an independent path in basketball, showcasing his electrifying dunking talent with the BallUp Streetball team, competing in celebrity and charity games, and playing in leagues such as the WBA, ABA, UBA, Drew League, and AEBL. His career took him across Canada, Australia, and into the world of commercials and sports branding. He even earned workouts with the Atlanta Hawks and the Texas Legends, affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Willis’s career reached a turning point. Inspired by the dedication of his father’s namesake—Willie Brownlee Sportscenter in Pass Christian—he found a new calling: giving back. Through The Willis Brownlee Foundation, he is now committed to opening doors for the next generation, mentoring youth, and teaching the values and principles that guided him through life.

Willis Brownlee’s story is one of resilience, passion, and purpose. His journey through triumph and trial has inspired a mission rooted in community, legacy, and the power of sport to change lives.