CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – When it comes to high school soccer in Clarksville, no one offers more community support to as many teams as Cameron Menefee, local soccer’s biggest superfan.
Menefee hails from Dallas and moved to Clarksville in 2010. He attended Kenwood Middle School before going the homeschool route and graduating that way. Menefee always loved and was around the game of soccer growing up, and in 2017 he decided to become a ref for youth soccer. That was the gateway to him becoming one of the biggest soccer supporters in Clarksville.
“Being a referee, I made connections with a lot of local coaches, and decided to start going to high school games,” said Menefee. “I got a taste of it and wanted to go and watch more and more, supporting as many people as I can. It’s been a really beautiful experience for me, and I understand the game more than ever now.”
There’s something different about Menefee’s fandom, however: He doesn’t pick a favorite. He supports every program, from youth teams to high schools, boys and girls, all across Clarksville, and just wants to see every athlete who dons a jersey succeed.
| SPORTS REPORT: Sign up for the new weekly Clarksville sports newsletter
“I have a lot of friends from all across the county, mainly because of my connections with Clarksville Soccer Club,” said Menefee. “The soccer community in Clarksville, no matter what school you’re from, is like a second family to me. I treat them like that, and they have shown me so much support and love.”
If you’re a soccer fan, you’ve probably seen Menefee at a game with a big smile on his face. You also may have heard him during contests, as he makes his support known between the whistles. He’s such a big supporter that he was honored by both County Mayor Wes Golden and the Clarksville Police Department as an outstanding community member.
Menefee frequently offers a helping hand to local coaches, such as Rossview girls soccer coach Connie Castleman, who is extremely grateful to have a person like Cam in the community.
“Cam is the ultimate supporter and I’d love to say ultimate Hawk – but he spreads his love for all Clarksville sports around so much, we will just say ‘ultimate fan,’” said Castleman. ”You can count on Cam to be at games, and he is sometimes there early and always offers to help set up. He knows stats, players, families, and the game better than most. Win or lose a game, Cam is waiting with a high five and a hug. We are blessed to have Cam in the stands each season, and I’m blessed to call him a friend.”
Sometimes family and friends can’t be present for games. Menefee hopes he can always be there to support the players.
“I hope my impact on this community is to be an inspiration for the next generation of soccer players in this community,” said Menefee. “I hope I’ve been an inspiration to the kids and parents, and I want everyone to see how special the soccer community is here, and become as big a supporter as I am, because these kids deserve it.”
| DOWNLOAD THE APP: Sign up for our free Clarksville Now app