Catching up with Cameron Kincaid '22
When you walk through the doors of a college campus for the first time, you may not have a clear picture of what's to come.
Classes, homework, and exams are a given, but how will you fit in? Will you find a group of friends that you can call your own?
Cameron Kincaid didn't have to wait long to find out.
A native of Olathe, Kansas, she found her home away from home at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.
"I chose Simpson for its close community and small school feel," Kincaid said. "From the start, students, faculty, and coaches welcomed me into the Simpson community and I knew it was the place for me."
Kincaid was a standout student-athlete during her time at Simpson, donning the red and gold jersey for the Storm women's basketball team. She enjoyed a remarkable career on the hardwood, which included a trip to the Division III National Tournament.
The Storm hosted a first-round game during that memorable season, and Kincaid can still feel the energy of the crowd when she thinks back to that special day.
"Hosting the first round of the national tournament in our home gym was a really special memory," Kincaid said. "I will forever remember running out for our first game and seeing the whole school showing their support in the stands. It was such a fun environment to play in for our team who had worked so hard to finally get to the national tournament."
A unique experience
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The Division III level offers a unique experience for student-athletes.
There are no athletic scholarships, so the athletes are competing because of their love for the game. The daily grind of practice, games, and workouts isn't for everyone, but for Kincaid, it was an experience that she wouldn't trade for the world.
"At the Division III level, you know that every athlete is playing because they love the game," Kincaid said. "We weren't playing for a scholarship but simply playing because we wanted to compete. At Simpson, it was so special to be a part of a team where all my teammates were on the same page to put in the work and be the best we could be."
Kincaid graduated from Simpson in 2022 with a degree in biology. She's currently in her first year of PA school at Des Moines University, and she credits her alma mater for the education and experiences that helped her get to this point in her life.
Simpson gave her the tools to succeed, both on and off the court, and she'll always be grateful for the opportunities she was given.
"I am most proud of how I was able to be a part of such a special basketball program and watch how hard work does pay off," Kincaid said. "As a freshman, our record was 14-13 and at the end of my 5th year, we were able to compete in the national tournament ending the year 26-2."
Life after college
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The transition from college to the real world can be a challenging one.
Kincaid has learned some valuable life lessons along the way, and she has a piece of advice for anyone who may be going through a similar experience.
"The transition after college is tough, but giving yourself grace and leaning into your support system is the best thing to do," Kincaid said. "I often had to remind myself that it was okay I didn't have it all figured out."
In the game of basketball, the goal is to score more points than the other team. It's a simple concept, but it's much more difficult to execute on a consistent basis.
You need all five players on the court to do their job, and it takes a collective effort to come out on top.
Kincaid was part of a special team at Simpson, and she's carried that same mindset into the real world. She knows she can always count on her teammates, both past and present, to be there for her.
"Playing college basketball was the best time of my life and taught me that when you work towards something and put all your energy into it, really good things can happen," Kincaid said. "You have the challenge of balancing school and your sport which will just further prepare you for all the challenges you will have to balance following graduation."
A bright future
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Kincaid has a full plate with her studies at Des Moines University, but she still enjoys staying active and spending time with friends.
She has a kitten named Leo, who keeps her on her toes, and she can often be found shooting hoops or playing volleyball in her free time.
No matter where life takes her, she'll always have a special place in her heart for Simpson.
"I don't think I could say enough good things about Simpson College, but really the best part is the Storm family that will forever support each other, which I am lucky to be a part of," Kincaid said.
She may have graduated, but she'll always be a member of the Storm family.
