Cameron Cooper '18 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Cameron Cooper and am a 16-year-old, 5'5 outfielder that plays for the 16u Carolina Aftershock based in Columbia, SC. I attend Spring Valley High School and play for the varsity team as a starting center fielder. I have been playing softball for 10 years. 

In my life, I want to accomplish so many things. Some goals stand out more than others. Mainly, I want to make sure I make good choices and not let other people (and things) influence me. I also want to look back on my life and be proud of what I have accomplished.

When I think of goals, a lot come to mind. A really big one is my dream to play college softball. As a little girl, I always went to the closest university's softball games, just wishing that would be me one day. There are so many amazing opportunities out there; I just have to be willing to work hard for them. Another really big goal of mine is to receive good grades. Turning in assignments late and not doing homework is unacceptable. I hold myself accountable for all of the work that I am given. I always take repsonsibility for my actions and am not a quitter. I will not give up on something until it is completed thoroughly. 

I am different from other recruits. I'm sure every girl has said that about herself. What makes me different? I believe it's my insatiable hunger to learn and try new things and my perserverance. People would describe me as a quiet person, but I know this quote: "Quiet people have loud minds." I think that relates to me because once you get to know me, I'm a pretty easy-going person.

Softball isn't just a game for me. It's a way of life. I think the most important about playing softball is that you don't play it for anyone but your teammates. You shouldn't play the game for yourself because that's selfish. You should play the game because you love it, not because your parents are making you or because it's a way to get into college. Softball has taught me so much. It gave me a way to get away from the realities of life. It introduced me to relationships with people who I would've never met if it weren't for the sport. Softball has taught me so much about life and for that, I will be eternally grateful.