by PER JOE GINLEY OF ST. IGNATIUS
(CLEVELAND) — The Saint Ignatius High School basketball program has a new leader. Cameron Joyce has been named head basketball coach and director of youth programming.
“It’s humbling to be selected to be as head coach at such a great school with a storied program,” Joyce said. “I’m committed to helping our young men become better on and off the court.
My job is to be a mentor and to not only teach basketball, but life skills. Basketball is about the relationships that we build.”
Joyce brings a wealth of experience to Saint Ignatius basketball. Most recently, Joyce served as the director of operations for the men’s basketball program at Ohio University.
Joyce managed all day-today operations for the Bobcats, organized team and youth camps, and served as academic coordinator for student-athletes.
Previously, Joyce worked as an assistant video coordinator for the University of Florida men’s basketball team, an assistant coach at Northwood University, and a graduate assistant at Tiffin University.
“We’re very excited to bring Cameron aboard,” said Athletic Director Rory Fitzpatrick ’88. “Cam is a very thoughtful person. He gave a lot of thought to this process.
I spoke to his coaches at Ohio University and Northwood University, and both of them had nothing but positive things to say about him and his work ethic, along with his demeanor with the young men in their programs.
And just as importantly, he understands our mission and what it means to run a program that is guided by the principles of Saint Ignatius. One of the reasons he was a finalist is that he exhibited the characteristics of a Man for Others.”
Joyce played basketball at St. Vincent-St. Mary for his father, Dru Joyce II, leading the Fighting Irish to three District Championships, one Regional Championship, and a State Semifinal appearance.
He then played at the Patterson Prep School in North Carolina before heading to Kent State University. Joyce transferred to Northwood in 2010, playing for the Division II program for three seasons. Joyce served as captain for all three years, recording the second-most assists in Northwood’s history.
Joyce assumes the reins of the Wildcats basketball program after Brian Becker retired following a 16-8 season. Saint Ignatius has a rich, 104-year history of basketball, with a 1,364-668 record all-time. Joyce’s leadership capabilities make him well-suited to continue and add to the tradition of excellence.
