Co-Captain of Cal State Fullerton’s Jump Team Does Not Lose Focus on the Field While Forging a Bright Future After Graduation
A personality profile of Camren Willis, co-captain of Cal State Fullerton’s jump team, told with his best friend, his coach and his academic mentor.
Written by Gregory Ferraro for GF Creative House Blog
Camren Willis, 21, is a fourth-year business marketing and communications PR major who has juggled his passion for track and field alongside his immense course load. Willis spends his time leading his team through regimented trainings, studying for his classes, laughing with his loved ones and unwinding at his apartment.
He is the oldest of four brothers, who recently moved to Nashville, Tennessee with his parents. After he graduates in May 2025, Willis plans to meet them there to begin his career. While growing up, Willis had to be adaptable.
“I was always moving schools. I probably wasn’t at a school for more than a year, year and a half,”
Willis was forced to constantly be making new friends, moving from Modesto, California, to Las Vegas, Nevada and finally to San Diego, California. The benefit of this for Willis, were the friends he made along the way, like Isaiah Edwards.
Edwards, who is just a year younger than Willis, said, “Camren has been my best friend since I was 7, he is my ride or die man!”
The pair grew up competing alongside and against each other in playful, but competitive football games, which were just a speck of their colossal bond.
“Even outside of sports, Cam is just amazing! He takes care of everybody, and he’s the most caring and affectionate guy,”
Edwards also describes Willis’ boisterous energy and recalls numerous dangerous but hilarious moments shared with him.
“One time we went out to the sand dunes in ‘Cam’s Jeep,’ and his car wouldn’t go into fourth gear, so when we went down into the sand dune… We got stuck!”
Willis was never one to let something painful or adrenaline spiking stop him. Willis endured multiple serious injuries throughout high school, playing both rugby and football.
“In my senior year, I got my ninth concussion,” Willis said, “I had a crazy brain bleed, and I even had a few months where I couldn’t remember anything.”
These life-changing experiences are a testament to his dedication and persistence. After this, Willis transitioned from contact sports to track and field.
“I was able to somehow get a scholarship here at Fullerton to run for the school while getting my degree,” he said.
Willis prioritizes self-improvement and is never fearful to point out his weaknesses. He enters the field, as well as the world, as himself. Willis has no facade concealing who he really is and no falsified persona to uphold.
While leading the jump team at Cal State Fullerton, Willis has channeled his work ethic through consistently refining his athletic ability. He takes his time and is not afraid to stop and just breathe. He has a focus that visibly feeds him.
The head coach of the men’s and women’s cross country and track and field program, Marques Barosso, has been a coach of Willis’ since he was in high school and recognizes major shifts in him.
“Camren wants to get better, and since I have known him, his professionalism has improved when it comes to taking himself seriously,” Barosso said.
Beyond the coaches on the field, Willis also relies on academic advisors that encourage and motivate him to achieve the success he craves. One of these mentors is student-athlete learning specialist, Amber Perez. Perez works diligently at Cal State Fullerton to help athletics students on campus foster a positive balance with sports and academics. She has advised Willis throughout most of his time at the school and makes sure he is on track.
Perez said, “He’s very sharp and can do things quickly, but it’s hard to strap him down to get them done.”
“As an athlete you have to have a lot of energy, and Cam does… he also has a sugar addiction,” she said laughing, “Even if it’s nine in the morning, he needs his fix!”
Willis has a personal connection with everyone he communicates with. He always keeps it light, but he doesn’t stay on the surface. Instead, Willis digs deep into everything he does. With plans of moving to Nashville to be with his family after graduation, he is already envisioning his future path.
“The whole motto in Nashville is ‘Music City,’” Willis said, “And I would like to get into PR over there in the music industry!”
Willis’ excitement for the future does not erase his journey. His approach and trail through life has influenced the success, honesty and energy that he exudes.