Cameron Thomas's journey to Division I basketball wasn't a straight path, but rather, one paved with perseverance, faith, and an unwavering commitment to growth—both on and off the court. Today, as a standout player on Stetson's women's basketball team, Thomas reflects on the winding road that brought her from backyard hoops to leading the Hatters in scoring, earning ASUN Newcomer of the Year honors, and taking on a leadership role beyond the hardwood.

"I probably started when I was 10. Across the street from us, we had a neighbor with a hoop, and we'd battle all the time. Maybe a month later, my papa bought me a big basketball hoop, and that's really where it began. I'd be out there day and night, just getting shots up and learning."

Unlike many young basketball phenoms who began organized play at an early age, Thomas's development came a bit later. She didn't join a team until seventh grade, and before that, she learned everything she knew from those long hours outside her house.

"A lot of people start out with basketball when they're three. That wasn't me. I started a little later, so there's a lot I know, but a lot I didn't know either. I just played, learned, and kept growing."

Her journey took a pivotal turn when she moved from Beloit, Wisconsin, to Illinois, navigating a new environment in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was during that season of change that her faith began to take root. With just one year of AAU experience under her belt, Thomas admitted she wasn't yet ready—physically or mentally—for Division I basketball. At the time, she was barely over 100 pounds, undersized and still growing into her frame.

"In high school, I really started getting serious with God, but it really took off when I was in college. I spent so much time with Him, just learning about believing and trusting Him in my process."

Thomas spent her first two collegiate years at Southwestern Michigan College, a junior college in Dowagiac, Michigan, where she began shaping her game and herself. Her coaches challenged her to stay focused on her dream, teaching her accountability, consistency, and patience in the process. The lessons in resilience and faith she learned at SMC prepared her for what was to come next. When the opportunity to transfer to Stetson arose, she approached it with prayerful consideration—and a note from Head Coach Lynn Bria sealed her decision.

"On my visiting card, the coach wrote Romans 8:28: 'In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.' Seeing that, I knew this was the place."

Adjusting to life in Florida and the demands of Division I basketball wasn't easy, but Thomas leaned on her faith and the mentorship of Coach Bria and her staff. She describes Bria as a coach who emphasizes both character and basketball growth.

"Coach Bria has been incredible. She believes in us as players and as people. They push us to grow, not just in basketball but in leadership. They want to see us succeed, and that makes all the difference."

Once on campus, Thomas quickly found another community in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, introduced by teammate Tyra Myers. What started as an invitation became a calling. Now president of Stetson's Student Athletic Leadership Team, Thomas helps guide fellow student-athletes in faith and service.

On the court, Thomas made an immediate impact. In her first season with the Hatters, she delivered one of the most prolific campaigns in recent program history, averaging 17.1 points per game—the highest by a Stetson player over the past decade. She led the ASUN with 530 total points, scored 20 or more in 11 contests, and posted a season-high 30 at the Holiday Hoops Classic.

"When you take the pressure off yourself and just play for Him, it changes everything," Thomas said. "My verse for the season was Joshua 1:9: 'Be strong, courageous, do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord goes with you wherever you go.' That guided me through the year."

Her energy and confidence were contagious.

"I was celebrating after almost every layup or three, and it really got the crowd and our team hyped," she laughed. "I just want to go out there, be confident, and not be afraid."

Heading into her senior season, Thomas is aiming even higher.

"I definitely want Player of the Year this year, but our bigger goal is ASUN Champions. We're grittier, more united, and all on the same mission. Practices are hard, but I know it will pay off. Our coach reminds us that greatness is hard. Average is easy, but greatness is hard. That stuck with us in practice today."

Off the court, her leadership continues to shine. Thomas regularly leads pregame Bible studies, mentoring teammates on mindset, confidence, and purpose.

"It's incredible to see the impact faith can have," she said. "People are learning about the influence athletes have, and I want that influence to point them to Christ."

When reflecting on her time at Stetson and the legacy she hopes to leave, Thomas's words are filled with clarity and conviction.

"I want to be remembered as someone who was a light," she said. "Someone who sees the best in everyone, points people to Jesus, and makes the most of every opportunity. Not everyone gets to play Division I, and I want people to remember that it's a blessing—we should give our best every day."

Her story is still unfolding, but Thomas's mark on Stetson is undeniable. Her faith fuels her purpose, her work ethic drives her game, and her joy lights up every court she steps on.

And for Cameron Thomas, that's exactly where faith and basketball were always meant to meet.

About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.