It's not unusual to see junior Camden Hyde soaring above the rim to grab a rebound or throw down a ferocious dunk. While he embraces his role as a co-captain of the Kingsmen basketball team, his primary focus is on something much higher.  

"I am heavily involved in campus ministry," he said. "I started my own group my first year called The Alternative that hosts Bible studies, worship nights and late-night hangouts." 

Since arriving on campus in 2023 from Boise, Idaho, the 20-year-old has been a force for good. He encourages teammates and classmates to see the bigger picture by sharing the Gospel and inviting students into a more intimate relationship with God. 

Men's basketball head coach Russell White called Hyde, who finished third in the high jump at last year's SCIAC Championships, "a true servant leader."

"He does a ton of stuff outside of school just to do good deeds," White said. "Amazing what he does with his 24 hours ... he just adds positivity everywhere."

 Here are some questions to better get to know the Kingsmen's source of inspiration:


Q: In your first two seasons, the Kingsmen went 45-11 and qualified for the NCAA Tournament twice. What moment (on or off the court) stands out as your favorite memory from that stretch? 
A: The team trips out of state stand out the most — specifically getting to walk to and from games on Shabbat with my teammate Ze'ev are my favorite memories. 

Q: A lot of fans have remarked on your athleticism, notably your ability to jump out of the gym. Where does that come from? Good genes? 
A: I honestly don't know. My sister and I both have crazy verticals and because it doesn't really come from our parents (sorry Mom and Dad), we credit it to all the hours on the trampoline as kids.

Q: How old were you when you first dunked a basketball, and where were you when you did it?
A: I was 15 when I first dunked in a game. It was quite a meaningless summer AAU game back in Idaho, but I probably watched the clip back 100 times that night. 

Q: Last year, you decided to compete on the track and field team. What was your favorite part of that experience?
A: Track has always been a second sport for me that I really enjoy doing to stay in shape. Turns out my jumping really helps, and my favorite part was overcoming a strained hamstring to make the podium in high jump and be named to the All-SCIAC team. 

Q: Outside of sports, name three things you're most passionate about.
A: Jesus, traveling, golf (a sport I do for strictly fun, so I hope that counts … haha)

Q: Professional athlete you most admire
A: Tim Tebow

Q: Place you spend the most time (not including your dorm room or the basketball gym)
A: Outside. Golfing or hiking or whatever else.

Q: Do your friends/teammates have a nickname for you? What is it?
A: Creamy 

Q: Thing you do that drives coach White crazy 
A: Turnovers

Q: Recommend a podcast.
A: "Southside Rabbi" 

Q: Your go-to pre-game diet 
A: Don't necessarily have one … but I do have an unhealthy obsession with chocolate milk. 

Q: If you could attend any sporting event in the world, what would it be?
A: Final Four weekend of March Madness or the Masters (hard to pick)

Q: Tell us something unique about your hometown.
A: It has the best of every season. Snow and winter activities, summer lakes and boating, and the shoulder seasons are incredible. 

Q: What's been your cure for homesickness? 
A: Calling my friends and family from back home while also remembering how amazing it is that I can make new memories here. 

Q: Idaho has no professional sports team. So who do you root for?
A: My grandparents are from the Bay Area so I grew up rooting for those teams. Since I moved to college I've become an L.A. fan for the most part. Hard not to root for Steph (Curry), though. 

Q: Day on the mountains or day at the beach?
A: That's so hard. If it's a warm ocean, then beach; if not, mountains. 

Q: Jordan or Kobe?
A: Jordan

Q: Best cut of steak
A: Fillet

Q: Lifted truck or turbo-charged car?
A: Turbo-charged car. I don't know, though, my Rav4 is pretty cool. 

Q: One experience you've had in your life you'd recommend to everyone?
A: Scuba diving a reef

Q: Dream job post graduation is …
A: Something that connects sports and ministry. I want to help people build their faith and athletics.