At five years old, Texas soccer recruit Cameron Byrd was moved to goalie simply to prevent her from scoring too many goals. Just two years prior, Cameron first started playing soccer in a Sunday league at her church, Crossroads, alongside her sister Taylor Byrd.
First coached by her father, Bryan Byrd, Cameron developed her game through workouts. She and her team still use the stretches he taught them when they played for her first team, the Texans, a lasting reminder of his impact.
Cameron’s soccer journey took a pivotal turn in seventh grade when she attended a Team USA camp. Initially a forward, her coach switched her to fullback. Although she struggled with finishing, her ability to beat defenders became one of her key strengths. Cameron’s biggest lesson from soccer is to be more confident in who she is and not let others affect her game.
“Getting moved a position back really (helped) me because most outside backs don’t go up and down the field, which is what I think a lot of coaches like about me,” Cameron said.
Cameron is set to join a legacy at Texas that includes fellow Solar Soccer Club, the team she graduates from also helped shape alumni such as senior forward Lexi Missimo and graduate defender Lauren Lapomarda. She’s been with the same club since first grade, originally starting with the Texans before it merged with Solar.
Team chemistry has always been one of Cameron’s top priorities, which is why she decided to graduate early to join Texas. With half of the current starting roster set to graduate next year, Cameron plans to build connections early and adjust to balancing soccer and academics.
“I really just want to be able to connect to the team earlier or get that team chemistry,” Cameron said. “With soccer it takes more time since there’s 11 people on the field with you And I’m also trying to get a starting spot.”
After attending a Longhorn camp in her sophomore year, she was drawn not only to the team’s skill but also to their chemistry off the field.
“I always had the idea of Texas in my head … and whenever I went to my first camp, I was like, ‘Yeah, these girls are unmatched,’” Cameron said. “Of course, they’re really good at soccer but their chemistry with each other off the field is amazing.”
On Jan. 11, Cameron will continue the journey that began the summer before her junior year. After a photoshoot on her first visit in Austin, Texas head coach Angela Kelly sat down with Cameron and her father and offered her a spot at Texas.
“She was like, ‘You’re already so good, but you have so much potential, and I think me as your coach will help you reach that potential,’ and I was like ‘Yep, I’m going here,’” Cameron said.
After Texas won its first Southeastern Conference title, ultimately losing in the second round of the NCAA tournament, Cameron’s excitement persisted. She is eager to contribute to her new team, drawing inspiration from senior leaders like Lapomarda, and is excited to play alongside standout underclassmen such as freshman Amalia Villarreal, the SEC Freshman of the Year.
