A Proud AHS Alumnus is Reaching New Heights

Avon High School graduate Cameron Hollins, also known as Cam Jam (@OfficialCam_Jam on Instagram), has always been an athlete and performer. He was a standout Track & Field athlete and percussionist in the Marching Black & Gold during his time at AHS. What he couldn't have imagined was just how 'high' his skills would take him.

If you've been to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to watch the Indiana Pacers, you've seen him at work. His dedication to his craft earned him a spot as a dunker for the Power Pack, where he's since made the NBA All-Star team. That's not all, he's part of the reigning national champion SlamBall team, the Mob. He also tours across the nation, performing to the delight of crowds everywhere, as founder of his own dunk team: the Leaping Legends.

It was a dream I didn't know I wanted. Cam Hollins

Cam's route from AHS to where he is now took a few twists and turns, but he credits his time at AHS for preparing him to soar.

Hollins graduated in 2014. As a member of the Track & Field team, he achieved his greatest successes in hurdling and high jump competitions. He obviously carried his affinity for 'air travel' into his current career. He also performed in the drumline for Avon Marching Black & Gold, which honed his performance instincts as well as his ability to coordinate intricate movements with a team of performers.

He began his professional career unsure of what he wanted to do with his life. After attempts at several jobs and sports — including professional modeling and semi-pro football — he discovered a love for dunking as a form of entertainment. He struggled immediately during his tryouts for the Pacer's dunk team, as he had never played competitive basketball up to that point. But he continued to put his best food forward to succeed in his newfound love for life above the rim.

The team took note of his hard work and dedication and, eventually, he got the call and became part of the Pacers Power Pack. Hollins described this recognition as "a dream that I didn't know what I wanted." Later that year, he ended up making the USA National Team, which was an incredibly difficult feat. Since then, he has toured extensively across the U.S. and Canada.

Recently, Hollins has combined his passion for dunking with his desire to encourage and inspire young people. He created his own dunk team called the "Leaping Legends" and hopes to take it worldwide. He's making a name for himself. He recently became the first person to dunk over a Tesla Cyber Truck!

If I can leave an impression or plant a seed somewhere, at the end of the day, that's my goal. Cam Hollins

Along the way, Hollins seized another opportunity to showcase his skills. He played professional SlamBall, a rugged and balletic combination of football and basketball. It has to be seen to be believed. His team, the Mob, is the reigning national champion. According to Hollins, SlamBall is not just about the athletic skills of the players. It is also about performing and keeping fans entertained through the entire game, a set of skills he continues to hone during Pacers games and his tour dates.

Hollins describes the importance of his time at Avon and the impact it has had on him as "a testament of dedication" because of how it prepared him for what he's doing now. He credits his coaches — many who continue coaching at AHS — with inspiring, encouraging, and pushing him. They helped him develop the commitment and willpower he summons each time he sprints toward the rim, basketball in hand, preparing to leap toward the goal.

His activities aren't all about himself and what he can achieve. He wants to make a difference.

"If I can leave an impression or plant a seed somewhere, at the end of the day, that's my goal," says Hollins. "Especially with the kids, because that's our future. We've got to make sure we take care of them, that we show them the right way."

There's still one dream Hollins has yet to realize. "I've been wanting to dunk at my high school since I began working for the Pacers." Maybe he'll get the chance soon ... basketball season begins later this fall.