LANETT — The summer between freshman and sophomore year of college, for most people, is spent working a part-time job, going on vacation or just enjoying the break. For Cameron Reed, it has been full of high-profile internships across the South.

After working for most of the summer in Governor Kay Ivey’s office, the Lanett High School alumnus has started an internship with the Tennessee Titans in Nashville.

“I’m an equipment assistant,” Reed said. “We wash laundry, keep stock on all of the inventory, coach’s shoes, coaches polos. It’s all the basics of running an athletic equipment department.”

Through his internship, Reed works directly with players, coaches and other equipment professionals to make sure training camp and preseason goes smoothly. He said that the experience he is getting now could very well land him a job after his graduation from Wallace State Community College.

“This could definitely lead into a full time position, most definitely,” he said. “I could leave here today and they could offer me a job.”

While the dramatic transition from working in a high-stress political office to a high-octane football field may seem like cause for whiplash, Reed said it is all part of exploring his options.

“I’m really just trying to fumble my way around to see if being an equipment manager is something I really want to do or if being in politics is something I want to do,” he said. “I’ve been able to feel my way around and get aspects of everything, just taking advantage of all of the opportunities I’ve had.”

While working with the governor, Reed and his colleagues primarily handled administrative responsibilities. He coordinated travel, organized Ivey’s personal property and made sure all the gears were turning behind-the-scenes.

He said that while the government position definitely garnered him invaluable experience, working with a professional football team is much more down his alley.

“Up here in Tennessee, it’s a whole other ball game,” Reed said. “Hard work, I got a coach that is at me and I better make sure I have everything he needs. I’m constantly thinking, I’m constantly doing something, it’s non-stop.”

This hard work is something he is happy to do, as athletics have always been his forte. While still in high school Reed handled equipment for the football team, working closely with Coach Clifford Story, who he now considers a mentor. Even at college, Reed works as the head baseball manager for Wallace State. 

Although just now entering his second year, Reed is already brightening his future and broadening his horizons. Where he goes next is sure to continue his trend of bringing pride to his hometown of Lanett.