Directors Behind the Scenes – Cam Bushey

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

The son of the club’s former technical director, it is probably no surprise to now see Cameron Bushey taking on a directorial role for the Shadow, serving as the U13-U19 Girls Academy Director.

“A director’s role is multifaceted, encompassing program management and technical oversight. I oversee our Girls Academy teams, U13-U19, with responsibilities that span both administrative and technical domains.

“Administratively, my work involves coordinating schedules, travel, and rosters across clubs, coaches, and administrators, while also developing and implementing the program’s philosophy and programming for players and parents.

“On the technical side, my focus is on supporting coaches, fostering consistency in learning across age groups, and collaborating on player and team development. The technical objective of the Girls Academy program is twofold: we aim for players to succeed in matches while also growing their skills and self-belief. These goals go hand in hand. Winning and growth are not separate but interconnected pursuits. Players flourish when they develop as individuals and as teammates.”

It may sound a little dry when put into words, but for Cam it is a passion.

“This work is my craft and my calling. There is nothing else I’d rather do, and I am deeply grateful for this vocation and for the opportunity to work within this club. I love the game, and even more, I love seeing players strive for their best, reaching new levels of performance, earning wins through hard work and teamwork, and growing in confidence. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey. Who wouldn’t enjoy a job like this?”

And it is a job he has sought out from the beginning. Again, being the son of a coach / technical director it was in his DNA. He immediately began coaching in 2009 shortly after beginning his collegiate playing career and by the time he graduated was already a full-fledged youth soccer coach.

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“I began working as a youth director in 2012. While youth soccer has evolved, the essence of the job remains the same: young players need coaches who guide them, believe in them, and stand in their corner. Parents need clear communication and support as they navigate the rewarding and sometimes challenging task of parenting. A strong club fosters a sense of belonging for all who seek it, creating a community around the game.

“If I were to sum up the connection between directing and coaching, I’d say that directing operates at a macro level. What a coach does for a single team, a director does for all the teams they oversee. My role involves creating a vision, establishing a pathway, and guiding progress by building trust and sharing knowledge.

And as the coach for the graduating G06/07 squad, Cam gets to see the end result as the players come to the end of their youth soccer path.

As the Whitworth Head Women’s Soccer Coach, he also gets to see it continue as some of the players join the local program or its rivals.

“I am deeply appreciative of this dual opportunity to work with two of the city’s premier soccer programs. Whitworth is an exceptional place for education and athletics. Our women’s soccer team exemplifies what team chemistry and pursuing excellence should look like. I feel fortunate to work in such an environment.”

In regard to the future… watch out for a third generation of Busheys. It has already begun.

“Soccer has always been and remains a central part of my life. My wife, Kasey (Rubosky), and I grew up playing in the Shadow program. I graduated from Whitworth, where I played for four years, and Kasey graduated from Gonzaga, where she also played for four years. We have three children, and our oldest now plays in the club’s SJP program.”