Winning Big: From Teacher to Fantasy Football Champion
/35:08/S2:E1
In the first episode of Season Two of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner Anderson welcomes Wil Miles BS’16, MS’17, a dedicated health and physical education teacher at Powhatan Middle School, as well as a coach and Director of Social Media at Powhatan High School.
Wil shares his remarkable journey from Longwood undergraduate and graduate student to educator, mentor, and coach. Reflecting on his decision to pursue a degree in kinesiology which leads him into Health and Physical Education, he delves into the transition from student to professional, the key principles that guide his work, and the significant impact of his mentors.
Beyond the classroom and the field, Wil has remained deeply connected to his Longwood community. As a former Theta Chi member, Interfraternity Council leader, and summer peer mentor, he built strong bonds that continue to influence his personal and professional life. He also discusses his commitment to helping others—such as providing internet access for students in need during COVID—demonstrating how Longwood’s values of service and leadership extend beyond campus.
In this episode, Wil also highlights his coaching successes, including leading his varsity soccer team to the state tournament, and shares a lighter side of competition through his fantasy football achievements. Through engaging storytelling, he emphasizes the importance of advocacy, mentorship, and staying busy with purpose, offering inspiration to both current students and fellow alumni. "I am not the person or professional today without my years at Longwood." – Wil Miles
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Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson serves as Assistant Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, as well as Associate Professor and Program Director of Educational Leadership. A former principal, assistant principal, middle- and high-school English teacher, department and grade-level chair, high-school coach, and club sponsor, Dr. Tanner-Anderson has spent nearly two decades serving and supporting public education in the Commonwealth. A proud Longwood Lancer, Dr. Tanner-Anderson obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English ('02) and Master of Arts in English, Education, and Writing ('07) from Longwood University. She earned her Post Master's Administrative Certification ('11) and Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Policy Studies ('14) from The George Washington University. Her research interests include women's educational leadership, social justice in education, and literacy leadership.
Jamie Eacho holds the title of Director of Marketing and Recruitment in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) at Longwood University. Starting out five years ago as the Marketing Specialist for CGPS, Jamie has grown her love for Longwood and her desire to help prospective students find the graduate program of their dreams. While her marketing journey started as the Marketing Manager for Campus Recreation at Roanoke College, and took her to Washington D.C. marketing for the Washington Nationals, and then out to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, marketing for a hospital, she has always held a special place in her heart for working with and for students. As an alumna of Roanoke College, having obtained her Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing in 2017, her passion for small Virginia schools and the value that they can add to students’ lives runs deep.
Health and Physical Education Teacher, Jefferson Forest High School (BS’21, MS’22) Health & Physical Education M.S: Maddie Hommey, an adept educator and enthusiastic athlete, currently serves as a Health and Physical Education teacher at Jefferson Forest High School in Bedford County, VA. Her journey as an educator and her active engagement in various roles reflect her commitment to education and community involvement. Maddie is a proud Longwood University alumna, holding a Master of Science in Health and Physical Education (May 2022) and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Education (May 2021). As a student-athlete she received many awards and recognitions, for academics, athletics, leadership, and service. Now, she proudly serves on the Longwood Graduate Alumni Collaborative. With a robust work background, Maddie has excelled in roles such as Marketing Assistant at Longwood College of Graduate and Professional Services (formally Marketing Graduate Assistant), Social Media Manager for FC Frederick, Remote Teacher at Elevate K12, Camp Counselor at Camp Augusta, Longwood Athletics Compliance Assistant and Marketing and Communications Student Worker, Substitute Teacher, NCAA Soccer Referee, and beyond. Maddie's leadership roles, including serving as the Big South National SAAC Representative and Student Athlete Advisory Committee President at Longwood University, showcase her commitment to student welfare and advocacy. She actively engages in service activities, volunteering for Autism on the Seas, formerly Special Olympics, Alternative Breaks, and other community events, embodying her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the classroom or field.
Health and PE Teacher, Longwood University (BS’16, MS’17): Originally from New Kent, Virginia, Willie (Wil) Miles is a Health and Physical Educator at Powhatan Middle School and the Varsity Boys Soccer Coach at Powhatan High School. He graduated from Longwood with an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology – Health and Physical Education in 2016 and a graduate degree in the same concentration in 2017. During his undergrad years, Wil was actively involved with campus such as being the VP of Recruitment for the Interfraternity Council, a peer mentor and various roles in SGA. Wil has been in Powhatan as an educator since 2016. The biggest highlight of his career so far was leading the varsity soccer team to the state tournament for the first time in 27 years and receiving Region 4 coach of the year honors in 2022. Along with being a teacher and coach, he assists with operations in the athletics at PHS as the director of social media. His roles at the middle and high school keep him quite active within this community. When he is not working, Wil enjoys a variety of hobbies, including partaking in high stakes fantasy football. In 2023, he won the NFFC RotoWire Online National Championship.
