HPE grad’s playbook

Education First (with a Side of Fantasy Football)

From fantasy football to education, Willie Miles knows how to win. A 2017 recipient of Longwood University’s Masters of Science Degree in Education with a concentration in health and physical education (HPE), Miles has built a thriving career as an educator while also making a name for himself in the competitive world of fantasy football. In fact, he claimed first place in the 2023 National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) Online. 

But don't be fooled — fantasy football is more than just fun and games for Miles, who says the connections between his professional and personal interests are undeniable.

“This outlet [fantasy football] has helped me take skills, such as organizing categories like statistical breakdown with my soccer teams, to prepare potential outcomes with lessons,” Miles says.

However, his commitment to his students stands on its own.

“The dedication that I prioritize in my craft as an educator and coach is separate,” Miles explained.

This strong dedication to student growth was something Miles experienced firsthand during his undergraduate years at Longwood.

A double Lancer, Miles earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2016 and immediately began his career as a part-time health and P.E. teacher at Powhatan Middle School. That same year, he decided to stay at Longwood for graduate school, enrolling in the Education M.S. program with a health and physical education focus.

The choice, he said, was an easy one.

“My phenomenal experience at Longwood as an undergrad contributed to the decision. It helped mold me into the person I am today.”

Longwood’s fully online program, designed for working professionals, gave Miles the flexibility he needed to balance career growth with academic progress. Even better, he had already established strong relationships with the health and physical education faculty during his undergraduate years.

“These individuals provided consistent support and constructive feedback that I needed to improve as a prospective professional,” Miles said.

His relationship with Dr. Michael Mucedola, Chair of the Department of Health, Recreation, and Kinesiology, and also Miles’ undergraduate advisor, was particularly influential. Dr. Mucedola helped Miles develop strategies to advance Powhatan Middle School’s curriculum, expand his knowledge, and challenge himself as an educator.

Upon earning his master’s degree, Miles began working full time at Powhatan Middle School and took on additional roles as assistant athletic administrator and varsity boy’s soccer coach at the high school. Now, in his dual role, he enjoys what he calls “the best of both worlds.”“I get to see a lot of students I have taught at the high school through athletics while still being able to teach the new wave of students coming through at the middle school level,” Miles said.

Longwood’s graduate program helped him discover his ideal career path by offering opportunities to explore different roles in the field.

“A lot of graduate programs just have a singular track to focus on,” said Miles. “With the health and physical education master’s program evolving at Longwood, the pathways are becoming much more differentiated. This should only promote more to apply for the program…It is unique in terms of the connections you make, and you are prepared to make a difference.”