Many student-athletes aspire to play sports at the collegiate level or even become professionals. High school offers a crucial time for them to sharpen their skills, expand their knowledge, and grow under strong coaching—where almost anything becomes possible. Many coaches are former or current athletes themselves, acting as mentors and role models for the next generation. Hampden-Sydney Soccer players Wills Huddleston ’25 and Justice Campbell ’26 embody this spirit, dedicating their time to coaching the Prince Edward High School Soccer team. Through their efforts, they give back to the community, serve as inspiring examples, and provide meaningful guidance to help young athletes reach their potential.
Wills and Justice bring deep-rooted passion and extensive experience to the soccer field. Wills began his soccer journey as a striker before transitioning to goalkeeper during his early teen years. A dedicated player, he competed all four years at Hampden-Sydney, developing a sharp, strategic view of the game and emerging as a natural leader. His long-standing commitment to the sport has shaped his ability to read the field and guide his teammates effectively.
Justice joined Hampden-Sydney in 2024 after transferring from Virginia Commonwealth University. A defender, Justice has been immersed in soccer from a young age, following in the footsteps of his father, who coached him and played professionally in the United States. He credits much of his talent and understanding of the game to that family connection. Together, Wills and Justice form a dynamic partnership, offering strong leadership and mentorship to each other and the rest of their team—excelling both on and off the field.
Bringing that same energy to coaching, Wills and Justice have quickly made their mark on the sidelines. Wills began his coaching journey at Fuqua School as a freshman before joining Prince Edward High School as an assistant coach during his sophomore year. Now a senior, he serves as associate head coach, continuing to grow as a leader and mentor. Justice joined the Prince Edward coaching staff this season as an assistant, working alongside Wills to further strengthen their partnership and share their deep knowledge of the game with the next generation of players.
“When I arrived at Prince Edward, my colleague Stuart Carilli—who had previously coached with me at Fuqua—had taken the role of head coach, so it’s been great to continue working with him,” Wills says. “As I started thinking about graduating from Hampden-Sydney, I hoped someone else would be interested in stepping up and contributing to the team, and Justice was at the top of my list. Playing alongside him, it was immediately clear that he was very knowledgeable, and it’s been great having someone with such a high soccer IQ to collaborate with. It’s pushed both of us to grow, and we’ve each been able to contribute in ways I never thought possible.”
“I’m really enjoying my time at Prince Edward,” Justice adds. “I enjoy giving back and sharing what I’ve learned about the game. It’s awesome to see how excited the players are to work with me and Wills. I also really appreciate their passion for the sport and their drive to keep improving—that’s what makes it so rewarding.”
Wills and Justice play integral roles on a five-person coaching staff, working closely to design training sessions and shape game strategies. Their different perspectives complement each other, allowing them to collaborate effectively across all aspects of the game—from offense and defense to set-piece execution. The program has made noticeable strides since Wills joined; what began as a challenging first season in 2023, finishing 1-15-1, turned into a marked improvement in 2024, with the team posting an 8-4-2 record. Both Wills and Justice credit Hampden-Sydney’s Rhetoric Program for helping them grow as communicators, noting that their ability to present ideas clearly and confidently has been essential to their development as coaches and leaders.
“Every coach brings their own approach and perspective,” Justice says. “Wills and I see the game differently—he views it from the goal, while I’m moving all over the field. Some coaches are more vocal, others more reserved. No matter the style, what really matters is being an effective communicator and making sure your message is clear. I feel Hampden-Sydney has helped develop that skill through time on the field and the Rhetoric Program.”
In addition to honing their communication skills, both have discovered a deep passion and fulfillment in building meaningful relationships with their players and helping them develop valuable life skills.
“My favorite part of coaching is definitely the human side,” Wills says. “I have a deep love for soccer, but it is more than just a game—it’s about building relationships and helping our players grow into successful individuals beyond the field.”
Justice went on to highlight the importance and satisfaction of watching players grow, saying, “I agree with Wills—I have a deep love for the game,” Justice says. “However, what I really enjoy is watching the players grow, both as individuals and throughout their journey. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to reflect and say I had a hand in their development.”
Like many Hampden-Sydney students, Wills and Justice have embodied the College’s mission of forming good men and good citizens. Through the leadership and positive influence they have had on those around them, they reflect the very qualities Hampden-Sydney strives to instill.
“It’s been a privilege to coach alongside Justice,” Wills says. “He’s someone I can always count on and someone I know I’ll stay connected with even after my time at Hampden-Sydney. He’s not only a great coach but also a fantastic friend—and that bond really comes through in the way we work together and the results we see on the field.”
As Wills prepares to graduate, he’ll leave behind his role as associate head coach—but not without leaving a lasting impact on the program. He will be heading to Baltimore to pursue a master’s degree in education with a concentration in athletic leadership and administration at Goucher College, where he’ll also serve as an assistant coach. Meanwhile, Justice will continue his work on the sidelines, mentoring players and inviting the community to come out, show support, and enjoy some great soccer—all while carrying forward the mission of Hampden-Sydney College.
