Cal DB Cam Sidney, In His Words: Why I Chose Cal

Hello Cal fans! My name is Cam Sidney, and I currently attend the University of California, Berkeley. I'm from Riverside, California, and I've been playing football for as long as I can remember.

In my childhood, football was a very present aspect of my life. While playing, I knew this sport was one I wanted to play for a very long time. My family has always been extremely supportive at each step of my football journey, and they've played a huge role in helping me become the person I am today.

Where It All Started

When I was younger, I wasn't always the biggest, fastest, or most highly recruited player. However, what I did have was a strong work ethic and had many opportunities to be able to train and focus on my craft.
I started playing football when I was 5 years old, and from the beginning I loved every part of it. As the years went by, I realized football wasn't just something I enjoyed, it became something I wanted to pursue at the highest level possible. There were plenty of moments that helped me grow as both an athlete and as an individual. Every obstacle I faced taught me the importance of both perseverance and discipline.

My High School Journey

High school was where everything really started coming together for me.
Playing at Mater Dei High School, I learned what it meant to compete every single day in a high level environment. I was fortunate enough to play alongside great, skillful teammates and be a part of a highly respected football program. Some of my favorite memories include my very first varsity interception as a sophomore and winning the CIF State Championship my senior year of high school. Both of these experiences and many others taught me that hard work and dedication creates success.

The Recruiting Process

The recruiting process for me was exciting, but it was also stressful. There were moments where I wondered if I could truly compete at the next level, but I was able to have support around me everyday to help remind me of the main goal. Throughout this process, every phone call, visit, and conversation gave me a better understanding of what I wanted, not only in football but also in life. I had opportunities from several schools and each one offered me something unique. As I continued throughout the process, I realized I wanted to go to a place that challenged me both athletically and academically.

Why I Chose Cal

When I first visited Berkeley, I knew it could be a place I could grow as both a person and as an athlete. It wasn't just the campus or the facilities, it was the people.

Both my uncle Sean Bullard and auntie Dena Bullard are both Berkeley Alumni which easily made Cal feel like home as well.

The coaching staff in my recruitment showed me that Cal is more than just winning football games. They showed me it's about developing young men who are prepared for life after football.

The combination of elite academics, great football, and the opportunity to compete close to home made the decision feel like the right one for me.
I wanted to be somewhere that would push me to grow each and every single day.

Cal checked every box.

More Than Football

One thing that has always been important to me is understanding that football won't last forever.

Earning a degree from one of the best universities in the world means everything to me because it will help create a foundation for me in life after football.

Whether football takes me to the NFL or another path, I know my education will always be something no one can take away from me.

The People Who Helped Me Get Here

None of this would have been possible without my family.

Through every stage of my journey, my mom has been my anchor.
There were days when things didn't go as expected, but she reminded me why I started this journey and encouraged me to keep chasing my goals.
Her sacrifices are a big reason I'm able to live out this opportunity today and she has helped create a sense of resilience within myself.

http://instagr.am/p/DBCl0oXBdhJ

What Excites Me Most

The thing I'm looking forward to most is competing alongside my teammates and helping bring championships back to Berkeley.
I'm excited to build more lifelong relationships, grow as a player, and continue becoming the best version of myself.

Every day is another opportunity to improve, and that's something I don't take for granted.

My Time at Berkeley

My time here at Berkeley has been more amazing than I could have anticipated. I was able to graduate this past Fall with a Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies and I am currently pursuing a Masters degree in the school of Education here at Cal. In my time here at Berkeley, I have been able to make lifelong relationships that I will have for a very long time. These relationships have allowed me to have a support system at Berkeley outside of my family. My experiences over the years have truly shaped me into the person I am today and I would not change that for anything. Spring/Coaches This spring ball has allowed me to gain a significant amount of confidence going into this year. Coach Tosh, Coach Boyd, and Coach Von all have played a huge role in this transition for me which has allowed for a tremendous amount of excitement going into this season. I believe this year the team will have a huge impact in the ACC as many players on the team will turn heads and play significant roles for us this upcoming season.

A Message to Cal Fans

Thank you for believing in this program and supporting us every step of the way.

I can't wait to represent this university every time I step onto the field.
I promise to give everything I have for my teammates, my coaches, and everyone wearing blue and gold.

The future is bright, and I'm excited to be a part of it.

Go Bears!

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