Among the lessons gleaned in her youth, Camryn Massey has learned the importance of effective communication.
“Me and my family, we are extremely close,” she said. “We try to eat dinner together, have sit-downs and have life-changing conversations in which we discuss the uncomfortable realities life can and will bring.
“My parents in their wisdom created a safe space for us, and I’m forever thankful for it.”
In particular, two words are a common theme during Massey family sit-downs. “We call ourselves ‘Team H-N-H, which stands for ‘humble and hungry,’” she added. “Though we may be in the spotlight, we’ve been given a platform to put our faith on display for God’s glory. It isn’t a duty we take lightly.”
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With such in mind, the Ashbrook track and field standout begins most days at 5:30 a.m. for the first of three separate workouts and training sessions over the course of 24 hours. Such has certainly paid off for Massey, who goes into her final NCHSAA 3A state meet Saturday a favorite to leave Greensboro with state gold.
“Honestly, it’s a feeling I try not to think much about,” Massey said. “I know I’m competing against great athletes and at any moment can be overtaken by anyone. So I try to be level headed; I’m good and worked hard to reach this level, but that doesn’t always translate to every meet. I must stay focused and stay the course.”
As a freshman, Massey set the NCHSAA state record in the discus throw, her attempt of 140 feet, nine inches earning the Ashbrook dynamo her first taste of state gold. She set a new high mark last spring, earning another individual state title after her throw of 148 feet, 2 inches. In addition, she claimed 2023 and 2024 NCHSAA 3A indoor shot put titles.
Massey holds the state’s top mark this season, setting an NCHSAA record with a throw of 180 feet, 2 inches at last month’s Gaston County Track and Field Championships. Also among North Carolina’s best in the shot put, her attempt of 48 feet, 4 ¾ inches ranks second statewide to only Ardrey Kell’s Tyler Glover (49 feet, 1 ¼ inches).
Despite such accolades, it wasn’t until recently that Massey started to realize her true potential.
“It wasn’t until last year in which I started believing I could go far (with the shot put and discus events),” she said. “It started as me relying on my natural talent, which can take you pretty far. But when people used to tell me things I used to do the ‘yeah, right,’ athlete thing. But as my college recruitment began to take shape and how many schools wanted me, it really changed how I saw myself and my talents.”
As if Massey needed further validation, she earned top billing nationally in the shot put event, claiming the New Balance National indoor title with a throw of 49 feet, 1 ¼ inches.
“I definitely saw it as a breakthrough,because the shot put wasn’t the event I was strongest in,” she said. “But at the New Balance Nationals, I didn’t feel any pressure to live up to a standard. I just had fun; being able to throw (49 feet), it’s a testament to my training, hard work, the system in place and the lifting. It’s all working out.”
Massey also has an NCISAA state title on her resume, helping Gaston Day claim the 2A championship in 2021.
The Ashbrook standout will soon trade her green and white threads for Auburn navy and orange, Massey signing with the Tiger track and field team in February.
“Auburn was one of the schools I looked at from the beginning of my recruitment process,” Massey said. “My official visit solidified it for me. I was told frequently about ‘Auburn Nice,’ and how it’s something I couldn’t be told about, but something I had to experience.
“Me and my mother went and experienced a welcoming community; the energy, the vibe was so nurturing despite it being such a gigantic school. Then the track and field team, coaching staff, I’m really satisfied with my decision and super excited to join the Auburn family.”
Only a matter of weeks away from graduation, Massey’s name will forever reside alongside other Ashbrook High greats. However, she doesn’t want to necessarily be known for her athletic prowess alone.
“As someone from Gastonia and Ashbrook, I want to leave a legacy of one who chose to follow her dreams,” Massey said. “Even if you stumble upon something, be open to every opportunity and take heed of good guidance. It’s been great to leave a legacy, not just in athletics but as a humanitarian and just a well-rounded person.”
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