Will Stevens IV walked off the final green knowing he had done something special. The Roxana senior had just posted a 68—four under par—to win the 1A boys golf regional by five shots. For Stevens, it wasn’t just a great round. It was a statement.
“My biggest moment this season was when I won Regionals for 1A boys golf,” Stevens said. “I shot 68, 4 under par and won by five shots. It was proof to me that I can go low in a tournament when it matters most.”
That performance, along with his steady leadership and work ethic, helped him earn Roxana’s September Athlete of the Month honor. It’s a recognition that feels especially meaningful after a season of growth, both on and off the course.
Growing Into His Game
Stevens, a senior who plays golf and runs track, says this year has been about more than scores. It’s been about maturing through adversity and learning how to respond when things don’t go his way.
“What I am most proud of is how much I have grown as a person,” Stevens said. “Overcoming difficulties and bouncing back after some good reality checks.”
He’s also proud of the consistency he’s found in his game, highlighted by two rounds of 68 this season. That reliability has made him a steady force for the Shells and a leader younger teammates look up to.
Team Spirit and Shell Pride
While golf is often a solitary sport, Stevens says some of his favorite memories this year have come from the team environment. With several new faces joining the program, he’s enjoyed helping them find their place and learn the ropes.
“This year as a team was very fun because we had some new players come out and play golf and it was such a blast,” he said.
Representing Roxana is something Stevens takes seriously. He defines it simply: show up, compete hard, and treat everyone with respect.
“Representing Shells means to me giving your best in whatever you do, being respectful to athletes you are competing against,” Stevens said. “And proudly repping the Roxana Shell.”
The People Behind the Player
Every athlete needs someone in their corner, and for Stevens, that person has been Coach Rob Milazzo.
“Coach Milazzo has had a big impact on me because he has been there for me all years of my high school career and has been there for me the last three years of my high school golf career too,” Stevens said. “He has always been someone that I can talk to about anything.”
Stevens also credits his teachers for helping him find balance. His favorite subject is English—thanks to what he calls an “awesome teacher”—and he tries to finish most of his schoolwork during the day so he can practice with a clear head.
Staying Ready and Having Fun
Golf is a game of routines, and Stevens has his dialed in. He doesn’t listen to music before tournaments, but he does have one quirky superstition: everything he uses has to be clean and prepped the day before. During rounds, he keeps things light by singing a single line from a random song in his head—over and over—for all 18 holes.
When the round is over, his postgame meal is simple: “Any food that’s in front of me.”
Thankful For the Support and Experiences
Stevens says the recognition as Athlete of the Month is as much about the people around him as it is about his own accomplishments.
“I thank everyone that has supported me and the golf team this year,” he said.
With a regional title under his belt and a season full of personal growth, Stevens has shown what it means to represent Roxana with pride—and to deliver when it matters most.
