College Commits: Ryan Cameron
All photos taken by Roberta Pratt.
Izzy Pack
Ryan Cameron, currently a senior at Hamilton, has been playing football for 9 years. He recently committed to playing football for UW Lacrosse.
Camerons’ teammate, senior Jackson Lally, says about him, “Playing football with Ryan for years, his determination sticks out to me the most. From day one, he has been an extremely hard worker and very consistent. He is always working to produce the best version of himself so he can be there for his teammates and make an impact on the field.”
One of his current high school coaches, Coach Gumm , also says about Cameron, “Ryan is a phenomenal teammate that puts others before himself in so many ways. He is also a tireless worker than truly earned all of the recognition he got this season. He worked his tail off all off-season. He set high goals for himself. He took to coaching. He played within our system! I am so excited for Ryan and can't wait to see what he does at the next level”
Read more to hear from Cameron:
How long have you been playing?
I started playing football in 3rd grade when I was 8 years old.
What is your favorite memory from football?
Senior night, it was special to play on Grove for the last time with the boys and we got a much needed win against a good Germantown team.
What do you think is your favorite/best football goal you've accomplished?
Committing to play college football. Being a college athlete has been a long time goal of mine and football helped me achieve that goal.
What will you miss most about playing for Hamilton?
Spending time with all my friends. This senior year was really special, sharing the field with all the kids you’ve been close with for such a long time. Some of my best friends were on the defensive side of the ball so it was super fun to be a part of the same defense.
How has football impacted your life?
Football for me has always taught me a bunch of lessons. It taught me how to be a leader and a follower. How to be a part of something bigger than myself. The friends and memories I've made will stick with me forever.
What is one lesson you've learned from football?
Don't take anything for granted. My sophomore season 2 games into the season I tore my meniscus and didn’t play the rest of the year. My junior Season I developed a sports Hernia and missed the last half of the season. Footballs taught me to always be grateful for what you have.
What was the recruitment process like for you?
It was a hard choice, because college football is a huge commitment and at first I had to decide whether or not I wanted to keep playing. Once I decided I wanted to play, some of the Hamilton coaches had connections to UWL and they helped me out.
What is one thing that a coach has told you that you will carry into playing in college?
My old travel baseball coach told me that you should always make choices for yourself. When I told him that I was quitting baseball to focus on football and although it was a tough decision he supported me and told me to do what I wanted to do, not what others think I should do.
What advice do you have for younger players?
Be honest with yourself and find out why you want to play football. When you know who or what you're playing for, it gives you fire and passion.
What are you most excited about next year playing for the UW Lacrosse Eagles ?
Being a part of a culture and a team. The saying at UWL is #The Experience. I'm excited to get the full college experience on and off the field.
Is there anyone you’d like to give a positive shoutout to who has been instrumental in your journey?
My parents, they have given me and all three of my siblings every opportunity to be successful. They always pushed me to be my very best and have always been my number one supporters, coming to all my games and coaching me throughout the years in many sports. Whether it was driving me to my games or giving me advice, they have always been there for me. They have put a lot of time, effort, and energy into me and my sports path. Thank you, Mom and Dad.
