RIVERSIDE, Calif.- Incredible right side and outside hitter, Cameryn Idema, celebrates her last year as a Golden Eagle this 2022 season. Idema claimed the number 4 her three years at La Sierra, and wore it proudly. In her rookie year at La Sierra, she appeared in 13 games with 47 sets under her belt. She amounted 29 kills and one assist. In her next season at La Sierra, Cameryn appeared in 23 matches with 73 sets. She collected 43 kills, 3 assists, 53 digs, and 23 block assists for a total of 55.5 points. In her last season, Idema has appeared in 23 matches with 82 sets. She has amassed 96 kills, 7 assists, 58 digs, 3 solo blocks, and 23 block assists for a total of 110.5 points.
Cameryn will graduate at the end of the year with a Master's in counseling. She has been awarded Daktronics Scholar Athlete Award two times, had the highest team GPA two times, and had the highest GPA among all sports teams. She is currently a teacher and plans to continue teaching. Her long-term goal, though, is to eventually get into administrative work after having a few years within education under her belt. She would like to use her passion for kids and learning to implement structural change at the administrative level. She chose La Sierra, because of practicality. It is within decent driving distance, as she is a commuter, and they have given helpful scholarships (athletically and academically). She is most going to miss the intensity of training and level of play. There is nothing quite like Sierra Towers after a three-hour practice, or playing a 5-set match against a nationally ranked team. There are adult leagues, but nothing will ever come close to the competitiveness of collegiate athletics.
Reflecting on her time at La Sierra, Cameryn stated, "My La Sierra experience has been a bit weird, as two of the three years I've played here have been during COVID. My experience has reminded me to hug my people tight and not take life for granted. I'm grateful for the lessons I've learned, the opportunity to play the sport I love, and the lifelong friendships I've made here."
Let's all congratulate and thank Cameryn for all this accomplishments and hard work on and off the field. We wish you all the best and can't wait to see where life takes you.
Here is a little more about Cameryn Idema.
Question: What is your favorite sport memory at La Sierra?
Cameryn Idema: I can't think of just one favorite Volleyball memory, but I'd say the camaraderie and hype you experience after a tough win is a feeling I will remember forever. To be with your girls, all sweaty, exhausted, and broken, but knowing you accomplished what you set out to do together.
Q: How long have you been playing this sport and how did you get into playing this sport?
CI: I've played Volleyball for 10 years but took a lil sabbatical during undergrad and ran Track and Cross-Country instead. I grew up in a very athletic family, so most family functions had some sport going on. I've dabbled in a handful of sports, but Volleyball has always been my favorite!
Q: What is the hardest part about being a student-athlete?
CI: The hardest part about being a student-athlete is missing the things you must give up to put your grind first: family vacations, birthday parties, graduations, and sleep...sometimes you have to put relationships on the back burner, especially during the season.
Q: Who is your biggest influence?
CI: My family, especially my Mama, is the most significant influence in my life. She always works hard, serves others happily, and loves fiercely. I've made it if I can be half the woman she is.
Q: Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals?
CI: I have to pray before a game (and often in the middle of it too). Talking to God helps to center me and get my mind right. I also HAVE to chew gum while playing, only Cobalt 5 Gum!
Q: What is your perfect pre-game meal?
CI: Always oatmeal! I can't function on an empty stomach, but I also can't overeat, or I can't jump. It's a balancing act LOL
Q: Go to pump up song or music?
CI: ANYTHING HIP HOP/RAP!!
Q: Do you like to get hyped before games or stay calm?
CI: There's a window of time before a game where I need to relax, but I need to get hyped closer to game time: Loud music. Dancing. Screaming. Being a fool with my team. I get too in my head if I try to be serious.
Q: What do you enjoy doing on your off days?
CI: I'm a full-time middle school teacher, so I don't have off days at this point, but I love to travel. With any time off I do have, I'm outside finding an adventure, local or global.
Q: Who on the team are you closest with?
CI: Tamia & Michele! We've been teammates for years and they're incredible friends. :)
Q: What are five things you can't live without?
CI: God, my family (including my pups— I'm obsessed), good food, nature, and music.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
CI: I LOVE trying new things. Playing sports (pickle ball, golf, surfing). Listening to music (send me playlists so I know it's real). Also, is eating a hobby?
Q: What is your most unique talent?
CI: I'm really good at doing a lot of things at once, fairly well. It's not multitasking, but living multiple lives? Idk.
Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would it be and why?
CI: My life goal is to travel to every continent, so I'll probably visit Africa or South America next. Seeing other ways of living and experiencing a different culture is life-changing, and I'd love to see it all
Q: What is your favorite movie and TV show?
CI: I'm a sucker for a good sports movie. Miracle (the hockey movie — not Christmas lol) or Remember the Titans are probably my favorite movies. Any TV show about crime, medical-ish, or psychology… Criminal Minds takes the cake.
