SEASIDE, Calif. — When Macey Camacho first walked into the gym at Cal State Monterey Bay, she felt something she couldn't shake. The energy, the competition, and the authenticity of the coaches stood out immediately. It was the kind of environment she knew she wanted to be part of—one that would push her to grow, both as a player and as a person.
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Now, as a standout studnet-athlete for the Otters, Camacho has turned that first impression into a foundation for her collegiate career. From the roar of the crowd on game days to the discipline required in the classroom, she's embraced every challenge and opportunity that's come her way.
For Camacho, choosing CSUMB wasn't just about athletics; it was about finding a place that felt right. "I chose CSUMB because of the welcoming and competitive environment I felt when I stepped in the gym," she said. "I knew in the midst of the recruiting process how committed the coaches were to the success of the program."
That commitment from the coaching staff played a crucial role in her decision. "The one thing that stood out to me was how the coaches were very transparent with the recruiting process and very invested in me from the start," she said. "I came on my visit to the school and to see the area, and immediately knew that this was the place I was going to call home."
Ask Camacho about her favorite part of being a student-athlete, and she lights up. "The best part about the collegiate playing experience has definitely been the gym on game days," she said. "I love the sound of the music and the crowd echoing throughout the gym."
Beyond the atmosphere, she's thrived on the elevated level of training that comes with college sports. "Another great part about being an athlete is getting to train at a completely new level than you are used to," she said. The intensity and focus required have helped her refine her skills and raise her game.
This season, Camacho has set her sights on a specific milestone. "I hope to accomplish defensive player of the week for the CCAA conference," she said. "I have been working towards this goal, and I have been working to reach it as I have led all of our matches in digs. If I continue down this route, I believe my goal will be in reach!"
Her determination on the court is matched by her discipline off it. She knows that achieving her goals requires consistency, effort, and a commitment to the process.
Camacho's growth isn't limited to athletics. She's also learned how to succeed in the classroom while balancing a demanding schedule. "The college experience in the classroom is definitely something to adapt to, and it's a very rewarding experience," she said. "I have found that I have to put my undivided time and effort into the classroom the same way I do with volleyball in order to be successful."
She appreciates the flexibility that allows her to excel in both arenas. "I like how you can take classes around your practice or game schedule so you don't miss out on school," she said. "Overall, the classroom experience has been great, and I have learned new ways to make it work and be successful on top of my busy schedule."
While volleyball is a central part of her life now, Camacho is already thinking about what comes next. "My post-graduate plan after CSUMB is to attend an advanced BSN nursing program to get my certification to become a nurse," she said. "With my nursing certification, I plan to become a nursing injector in a MedSpa, eventually applying my business knowledge and operating my own practice."
Her ambitions extend back to the sport she loves, too. "Another goal of mine is to coach for a high-level volleyball club and apply my college athlete knowledge for the younger players," she said.
From the gym that first felt like home to the goals she's chasing on and off the court, Macey Camacho is building a future defined by passion, discipline, and purpose—one game, one class, and one goal at a time.
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GO OTTERS!
