Spotlight Athlete: Lloydricia Cameron



Miami Northwestern senior Lloydricia Cameron has become one of the most dominant throwers in the state racking up three state titles and two runner-up finishes in her four years. She boasts personal bests of 159-5 in the discus and 49-6.5 in the shot put. We caught up with the University of Florida signee to talk about the 2014 season, and her decision to be a Gator.

 
What meets do you have circled on your calendar this year?
 
This year I'm looking forward to the Bob Hayes meet, Florida Relays, GMAC and States.

How have your workouts been going?
 
My workouts have been going well. I feel a little stronger and also faster. I've changed from being a glider to a spinner. So it's some what exciting and also a lot of work, but I'm loving the spin so far. I hit 46-1.5 in the shot put at my first meet. Not bad for a first time spinner. That must mean there is a lot coming for the end of track season!

What are the goals for the year?

My goals for this year are to be as competitive as usual in all my meets and throw 48-49 feet in the shotput and 165 plus in the discus. 

How did those throwers that came before you and the strong throwers on your team help you become a better athlete?

As a freshmen I had teammates that were only seniors at the time that pushed me to do better .They pushed me around a little but only to make me stronger. I thank them for it everyday. After they graduated more kids joined the team to throw. At first it was just me and Akassja White (my bestfriend). After our freshmen year me and White were the top two that had experience in throwing and enjoyed pushing the others to become better and learn the different techniques .Now we have a powerhouse group and it's lovely to be In one. The more power the better the performance when it comes to big meets.

How instrumental has Coach Carmen been in your success and what was it like being such a big part of apowerhouse program?

Coach Carmen has been a big part when it came to having confidence and better attitudes in the circle or on the track. Coach Carmen always stresses getting the job done in the classroom first then the track an field later. If you needed someone to talk to Coach Carmen is there to give you advice no matter the situation. She will always tell you if you are wrong or right and what you have to improve in. My throws coach Austin Monroe has also been instrumental in my three years of throwing with him. He is a coach that wants the best for his athletes and I agree 100% on that. 

What will you miss/remember the most about your time at MNW?

I will miss my teachers and classmates that made me laugh when I was down. Also the times I had with my teammates on trips to different wets and my throwing sisters brothers, and coaches. 

When all is said and done what do you want your legacy in the state to be?

When all is said I want my legacy to leave a big statement saying " Cameron is a thrower with a big personality; out going and loves being competitive in all her meets." Also, I want my best marks to be set high.

Recently you picked the University of Florida to continue after considering offers from FSU, LSU, Purdue, and Clemson. What was it that sold you about the Gators, who are currently ranked number one nationally in the indoor polls?

My recruiting was a little bit overwhelming because of different colleges offering the same amount of scholarship and having such a good history of throwers in their programs. In the end I decided UF was the best school for me because of the coaches there. It felt like home when I made my official visit. The athletes on the team were cool and I liked their vibe. I felt that becoming a Gator was the best choice. 

What was your relationship with the coaching staff like?

My relationship with the coaching staff was awesome. They were up front with me about everything and I felt that if anything was to come my way. They would be my next parents in line to support me while I amaway from my mom. Also, they made me feel that I will become a more responsible woman when it's time for me to leave college. 

I know Jontavia also committed to UF. How awesome is that have her share in this journey with you and do you plan on being roomates?

I'm glad that my teammate Jontavia Dykes is joining me on being a Gator. I always wanted to have my own room so as for the roommates I believe we won't be.

What implements do you plan on throwing in college? Do you have any experience in the others besides the shot put and discus?
 
I plan on trying everything in college; well at least experimenting on the throwing events. I have a little experience in the javelin . 

How big of an adjustment will that be?
 
It will be a big adjustment because of learning new events that I've never tried a day in my life.

What are you looking forward to most about being a Gator?

To be honest I'm looking for a lot of surprises. Things that I never thought could happen. I'm just waiting to get there. 


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