University of North Carolina Athletics
I'm A Tar Heel: Cameron Overstreet
February 18, 2015 | Track & Field
Dear Carolina Community,
The past four years I have been blessed to wake up to Carolina Blue skies, blossoming trees lining campus, and the sound of the Bell Tower ringing in the new hour. Every August brings feelings of long-awaited anticipation to return to Carolina, a place that I, like many others, have come to call home. Each season brings new excitements – football season, intramural basketball, March Madness, student body elections, baseball season, etc. It's the Carolina spirit, a spirit of opportunity, pride, family and duty, which is so contagious and will mark the heart of anyone lucky enough to be a part of this place.
Carolina is a place of opportunity. For me, this opportunity is through academics and athletics. Both the classroom and track have challenged my abilities, my resilience, and my desire. They have also prepared me for the future with contacts, knowledge, and a problem-solving skill set to succeed.
With this opportunity comes pride. There is no better feeling than travelling and competing nearly every weekend between the months of January and June wearing the UNC jersey. There is a long history of successful athletes, national champions and Olympians that are members of the Tar Heel family. To be bonded to them by the Carolina uniform is the greatest feeling. It gives me purpose and meaning to every successful pole vault crossbar clearance that I make, while also permitting me to see the mark I have made on Carolina.
Carolina is also a place of family. Even though I am from Virginia, I was never worried about making new friends here because I could see, even from my first experience at Carolina on my official visit, how the track team would become my new family. We have travelled together, taken classes together, lost meets together and won meets together. My teammates and coaches have seen me at my best and worst. But it's the unconditional love and support regardless of the outcome that I have come to love most about my Carolina family.
As graduation is nearing, I feel the duty to spread the love, support, and spirit of Carolina. I feel compelled to challenge people and open their eyes to equality and opportunity in the way that Carolina has taught me to do. I am sad to graduate in a few short months; however, I will always have Carolina not only in my mind, but also in my heart.
Love,
Players Mentioned
