Cameron Taylor-Willis (’02 Born) verbally commits to Eckerd College

Image credit: Hoopsfix

Cameron Taylor-Willis has verbally committed to NCAA DII school Eckerd College for the 2021-22 season.

The 2002-born prospect is set to link up with fellow Ipswich product and GB junior international Maya Price, who is going into her junior year.

Taylor-Willis was the youngest participant at the first-ever Under-19 Women’s game at the 2019 Hoopsfix All-Star Classic and was recruited by a number of Division 1 and Division 2 schools before opting for Eckerd.

“The recruitment process has been really exciting for me, although understandably so different to that of players in previous years due to COVID-19,” she said. “I was unable to visit colleges and meet the coaching staff face to face. However, after talking to my family and the coaching staff I have made the decision to commit to Eckerd College.

“I feel like it is the right choice for me given the standard of the education and the style of basketball they play. I feel like it’s the perfect balance for me.

“I’m also excited to be re-united with former teammate, friend and role model Maya Price. My journey has followed a very similar path to Maya, from starting at the same primary school sessions to inheriting her role in the senior women’s team and I am excited to continue this at Eckerd.

“I am looking forward to working with Coach Honsinger and Coach Feldhaus who I felt like I formed a great connection with throughout this recruitment process. I can’t wait to finally meet them in person and get on court with the rest of the team.”

Taylor-Willis has enjoyed plenty of success as part of the Ipswich/Copleston programme – most recently winning the WNBL Division 1 title with the Senior Women’s team.

The 17-year-old also averaged 14.3 points and 10.2 rebounds in the WEABL in making the All-Conference First Team in the South and helped lead Copleston to their first final, which was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I am so, so proud of Cameron,” commented Ipswich head coach, Nick Drane. “Having coached her since she was in our centre of excellence at the age of 11, it is hard to not feel an even stronger sense of pride in watching her grow up on and off the court, and enjoy so much success.

“Cameron would be an asset to any team, at any level, and Eckerd are getting another absolute gem from the Ipswich programme. In what has been a pretty rubbish year for everyone, Cameron once again displays her knack for bringing a smile to people’s faces at just the right time.

“She’s a great player, a better person and I can’t wait to see her develop further under the guidance of the great staff at Eckerd.”

Taylor-Willis added: “I’d like to give the biggest thank you to Nick who has pushed me to be a better player and person for the last seven years. Words can’t describe how grateful I am for all that he has done for me.

“He took over my development from a young age and has moulded me into the player I am today. I would also like to thank my teammates for pushing me to get better every session and every game and having my back through everything over the last few years and more importantly being friends for life.

“I’m now looking forward to my last year at Ipswich and hope to leave with a couple of Championships to our name.

“Lastly, I would like to thank my family, my mum, dad and sister Eavan, without them none of this would be possible, from taking me to and from Ipswich for every session, cheering me on every game and just being there for me every step of the way.

“I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive family growing up and throughout this whole process. I hope to make them proud on my next adventure.”

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