Cameron University assistant coach for the women’s basketball program, Jamie Bonnarens, was very familiar with the school when she took the coaching job. Bonnarens spent her first two years at Cameron as a player.
The former Cache High School standout spent most of her entire life playing basketball.
“I did not coach at Cache High School, but I did go to school there my whole life. I started and played in every game from middle school on. In middle school after the last bell, I would go over to the gym where the high school girls were practicing, and I would join in on their practice. Looking back, I am super thankful that the coach allowed me to do that because it made me a better player and it would always be the highlight of my day,” said Bonnarens. “I also played softball and golf throughout my high school career. Because I played these other sports and did not specialize until college, it really allowed me to avoid burnout from any one of those sports.”
Coaching at Cameron University is like a homecoming for Bonnarens.
“This is the place that gave me my first start as a player and now, my first start as a coach. I have always felt support from this community and want to allow other young women to experience that, too,” said Bonnarens.
Coming into the new season, Bonnarens said she is excited to meet the team and to build the bonds that can last a lifetime.
“I am most excited about meeting all of the girls and building those relationships. I really feel like Coach Mahoney and I have a good group of girls that will help build a family culture at this program. They are extremely talented and hardworking as well, so I am excited to get to work,” said Bonnarens.
Having played in the area, Bonnarens said the talent level in her part of the state is growing and can be overlooked at times.
“Being from southwest Oklahoma, and even Oklahoma in general, I feel like a lot of great talent is overlooked. So knowing that and experiencing that, I want to open the door for that talent to have an opportunity to play in their home state. Cameron University is a great place for Oklahoma kids to come and represent their city and state while competing in one of the toughest conferences at the Division II level,” said Bonnarens.
