Today@Sam Article
Commencement Spotlight: Cameron Huefner
June 6, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins
Cameron Huefner
Adelaide, Australia
Master of Business Administration
Cameron Huefner helped usher in a new era of Bearkat basketball during his time at Sam Houston State University. The Australian-born forward also excelled in the classroom to reach new heights on and off the court, establishing a professional trajectory that highlights his myriad of skills.
“The biggest tip I would give to student-athletes transitioning from overseas is to take the leap,” he said. “The idea of leaving your home behind can be overwhelming, but take the risk anyway. I love this place and could stay here for the rest of my life.”
Born in Adelaide, Australia, SHSU became a second home for Huefner during his three-year stint, where he earned an undergraduate degree in psychology as well as his Master of Business Administration (MBA). He transferred to Sam in 2022 after first excelling at Pittsburgh State University in Kansas during his freshman season.
“I had a connection to assistant coach Justin Bailey, who moved to SHSU from Pittsburgh State after my freshman year,” he said. “Because of that connection, I made the jump from Division II to Division I.”
Huefner cemented himself in Sam Houston State’s final season before joining Conference USA (CUSA), earning a spot on the All-Western Athletic Conference Newcomer Team in 2022-23.
“The athletes at this level are far superior,” he said. “In terms of basketball, it’s a much faster and more physical style of play.”
Under the leadership of former head coach Jason Hooten and current head coach Chris Mudge, Huefner and the Bearkats flourished in the face of pressure and heightened expectations.
“Everyone on the team thrived under their intensity and win-at-all-cost culture,” he said. “We always pushed ourselves to the limit in the weight room and on the court to be the best we could be.”
The Bearkats won 60 games during Huefner’s tenure and secured a regular season title in 2023-24, their first year competing in CUSA.
“Coach Mudge carried that culture over into his first year as head coach and it showed,” he said. “My advice to someone joining this program is to be locked in, in shape and ready to play for a team that goes after everything with that intense identity.”
While clinching the top seed in CUSA may have been his favorite moment on the court, he says earning both of his degrees was just as memorable. In 2024, he was named CUSA’s Scholar Athlete of the Year.
“Being a student-athlete is special, and most only have four years before they hit the real world,” he said. “Go out and make as many connections as possible and enjoy the people and places around you. Make the most of your time.”
Huefner’s resilience through adversity and development as a Bearkat have earned him the opportunity to continue his basketball career at the professional level. The 6-8 forward recently signed a three-year deal with the Perth Wildcats, one of the premier squads in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL).
“I’m ready to bring my talents home and bring that culture of winning to a team with a great history,” he said. “I’m ready to play hard every minute of the game, win every possession and keep the mindset that the game is never over.”
When his playing days conclude, Huefner aspires to utilize his MBA and enter the business side of athletics.
- END -
This page maintained by SHSU's Communications Office:
Director of Content Communications: Emily Binetti
Asst. Director Content & Social Media: Emilee White
Communications Manager: Mikah Boyd
Telephone: 936.294.1837
Communications Specialist: Campbell Atkins
Telephone: 936.294.2638