When the Maryland Terrapins fell to Florida in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament on March 27, 2025, all eyes turned to head coach Kevin Willard. The loss sparked speculation about his future with the team, but amid the conversation, one constant remains: his wife, Julie Wagner Willard.
She has stood by him through the highs and lows of his coaching career, a constant presence in a life filled with basketball’s unpredictable twists and turns.
Kevin and Julie have been married for years, surviving the storms of a demanding career in college basketball.
A day at The Yard
— Maryland Men’s Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) August 20, 2022
The Willard family in Baltimore pic.twitter.com/qW5rGvAs3E
Together, they’ve raised two sons, Colin, born in August 2006, and Chase, born in June 2008. Their sons inherited their parents’ love for sports.
The Willard boys are passionate about basketball and baseball. They follow in the footsteps of their dad’s coaching legacy and their mom’s athletic prowess.
Watching their kids grow into sports enthusiasts has been a source of pride for the couple, a reminder of the family they’ve built amid the chaos of Kevin’s career.
Julie isn’t just a coach’s wife cheering from the sidelines; she’s a force in her own right, with a remarkable journey that twists sports, family, and her career.
Before She Became Mrs. Willard, Julie Wagner Was Already Making Waves In The Sports World
A native of Indiana, she established a name for herself in golf, a sport she’s not only played but also taught with passion and skill.
Since 2012, Julie has served as the first women’s golf coach at Indiana Wesleyan University, breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Her role there showcases her leadership, which undoubtedly complements Kevin’s drive on the basketball court.
Beyond coaching, Julie is a certified golf teaching professional at Wildcat Creek Golf Course in Kokomo, Indiana, a position she’s held since April 2011.
With a United States Golf Teachers Federation License, she’s dedicated herself to helping others master the game.
Julie is a two-time Howard County Champion and has won several amateur championships.
Her competitive spirit shines through in every swing, proving her strength and talent.
Julie’s path to golf wasn’t a straight shot.
Before stepping onto the green, she spent 13 years working at Delphi Electronics & General Motors in Kokomo.
It was a successful career in the corporate world, one that showcased her versatility and work ethic.
But her love for golf eventually called her away, leading her to trade boardrooms for fairways.
That transition wasn’t just a career shift but a leap into a passion that would define her next chapter.
Throughout Every Challenge, Julie Has Been His Rock, Standing By Kevin During Uncertain Times
Kevin Willard’s coaching journey has taken the family across the country from Seton Hall, where he coached for 12 years, to Maryland, where he’s been since 2022.
In every change, Julie has been his support.
The recent Sweet 16 loss has only amplified the speculation about Kevin’s next move.
Will he stay with Maryland? Could a move to a new team, like the rumored interest from the Wildcats, be on the horizon?
After the game, Kevin spoke candidly about his future:
Via Maryland Terrapins
“I haven’t talked to my agent, I haven’t talked to my wife. I made a promise to this team that I was gonna just focus on this team and that’s all I’ve done. I have an agent, I’m sure he’s talking to people because that’s what agents do, but I don’t know.”
He also brushed off rumors of a formal offer from the Wildcats, keeping his focus on the present.
Kevin values Julie’s input; she’s not just a bystander in his career decisions.
When the time comes, you can bet she’ll be part of the conversation, offering the viewpoint of a partner who’s seen it all.
Julie Wagner Willard is a trailblazer, a mom, and a champion in her own right.
While Kevin goes through the pressures of coaching at the highest level, Julie’s story reminds us of the strength behind the scenes.
Whether coaching at Indiana Wesleyan, teaching at Wildcat Creek, or cheering on her husband and sons, Julie brings her A-game every day.
Julie will be there as Kevin’s future unfolds, whether staying with Maryland or taking on a new challenge just as she always has.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Willard’s father, Ralph, was an assistant coach at Louisville and head coach at several schools.
- Kevin Willard started his coaching career in the NBA ranks, working on the bench with coach Rick Pitino of the Boston Celtics.
- Willard accepted the position of head basketball coach at the University of Maryland on March 21, 2022.
