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Today I had the opportunity of sitting down with the ever-inspiring Cameron Dobbs. Many titles describe Cameron as star student, D1 athlete, coach, journalist, leader, motivator, speaker, author, Christ-follower, influencer, and advocate. However, in December 2020, Cameron was probably best described when she was named, “Difference Maker” by CNN.
After a series of concussions turns catastrophic, this D1 volleyball player at the University of Miami is suddenly a medically retired athlete. How do you find purpose in a career ending injury like that? It’s not easy, but Cameron is here to tell you that it’s worth it. Through months of mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional stamina building, Cameron found her reason. She was reminded to play where her feet were at. Whether this meant waking up and eating breakfast or going to the gym to train, she knew that whatever she did had to be to the best of her ability. This led her all the way to where she is today.
After retiring, Cameron found herself in a gray fog of unknown in the land of “medically retired athletes.” Do we dress out? Do we train with the team? Do we travel? It all seemed too complicated, which is why she drafted a document now being used by ACC schools stating the “can’s” and “cannot’s” of medically retired athletes. The process is hard enough and this document is to ease understanding during this process. This isn’t the only thing she has accomplished. She has also launched the “Play Where Your Feet Are Podcast” which has allowed her to offer the wisdom and tools that have helped her overcome challenges in the pursuit of excellence.
Cameron is nothing short of a warrior and I am so thankful that we had this conversation today about playing where your feet are to the best of your ability, no matter what. Her story resonated deeply with me and I hope it does the same for you.
3 key takeaways from this episode:
Finding purpose in a career ending injury
Although a career ending injury can seem daunting and like there will never be a light at the end of the tunnel, Cameron is proof as she shares with us today, that there is hope. She discovered new passions during this season. She became an advocate for those like her and who will follow behind her. There is purpose in the pain, but you must trust in the Lord as He unfolds your story.
Playing where your feet are
Cameron Dobbs is an award-winning difference-maker, and her compelling and authentic testimony transcends all walks of life, ages, and genders. She is a dynamic storyteller, inspiring all audiences to be their best in their own role whether in the classroom, board room, or on the athletic field. Her infectious enthusiasm, success in overcoming challenges, unwavering faith in God, and pursuit of excellence inspires others to Play Where Your Feet Are™ in their own lives.
Transitioning from being a student athlete to being a non-athlete
This transition is never easy and Cameron was no exception. She felt alone and struggled with the loss of her known identity. Her health, education, and future all laid before her… nothing certain. But there was one thing that she was confident in and that was Jesus. She knew that He would bring her out of this season of uncertainty and into her new identity and He did just that.
Here are all the things mentioned in this episode:
Quote: “To cry is human, but to lament is Christian.” - Mark Vroegop
Follow Cam on Instagram HERE (@cam.dobbs)
Cam’s podcast: PWYFA Play Where Your Feet Are Podcast. Check it out here.
Follow the FAM (@femaleathletemission)