In front of a packed Soenneker Hall crowd, yesterday was an eventful moment for Owensboro Catholic athletics, as Mayme Powell and Cam James both signed letters to compete at the college level. Powell will be attending Midway University for volleyball, while James is taking his football talent to Lindsey Wilson University.
Reaching varsity as a sophomore, Powell helped the Lady Aces win two 9th District titles and reach the 3rd Region Championship twice during her tenure. This past season, she led the team in assists (973) and service aces (54), was fourth in kills (111), and digs (186).
“Owensboro Catholic volleyball means everything to me,” Powell said. “It has shaped me into who I am today. It has brought me challenges that I had to overcome, and it has taught me resilience. My teammates have been there for me whenever things were tough. My sophomore year, I didn’t even think I would play varsity, and then my junior year, I was named the varsity captain. It gave me confidence.”
Originally, playing at the collegiate level was not on her radar, but that changed earlier this month, acknowledging that she rekindled her passion for the sport. After hearing from a JUCO and realizing it wasn’t the right fit, she went on a visit to Midway and was captivated by the way the team made her feel wanted.
“I really liked the location, and when I visited, I loved the team,” Powell said. “The atmosphere was super uplifting. I have a former teammate who plays there, and she loves it. Honestly, it just felt like home as soon as I was there.”
Powell plans to study biology with a focus on the pre-occupational therapy track – eventually hoping to work at Wendell Foster in Owensboro.
James burst onto the scene for the Aces football program as a sophomore – playing both sides of the ball and helping lead Owensboro Catholic to three straight State Championship appearances. He finished this past season with 825 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns.
During his recruitment process, he spoke with multiple schools, including Georgetown College, and had a few opportunities in track, but his love for football won out.
“Lindsey Wilson’s coaches are really good, and they have a very strong program over there,” James said. “I went on a visit and loved the campus, coaches, and program. I got to meet the receiver’s coach, and he spoke with me about what I would do and what opportunities I have.”
Thrust into the starting lineup on the defensive side of the ball as a sophomore, James finished the year with over 50 tackles as a corner – leading to the realization that he could play at the collegiate level.
“I went through the motion with Coach Morris. He really pushes us over here,” James said. “My Dad and I work really hard, and we go to the gym consistently. My mom would really push me, making sure I would wake up, go to school, and go to trainings and practices.”
In the classroom, James plans to study nursing, with aspirations of breaking into the medical field.
