Behind The Print: Charged Up and Printed Out
Welcome to the latest episode of Behind The Print, where we bring you the creative stories of industry leaders shaping the world of professional printing. In this episode of Behind The Print, we sit down with Camron Vernon, Athletic Director at Northwood High School in Pittsboro, North Carolina. From celebrating student athletes with keepsake athletic print programs to creating a culture where effort matters more than the scoreboard, Camron leads with purpose, heart, and a deep love for his community. We talk about the role of print in high school athletics, balancing leadership and family, and why giving every student their moment matters more than ever.
Below, you’ll find the transcript of our conversation, edited for clarity to ensure easy reading. If you want the full, authentic experience, make sure to check out the video attached below.
7-minute read
“We created our own signing day event. Every senior gets a moment, no matter where they’re headed next. It’s one of the most engaging things we do. Families show up, students feel seen, and the whole community rallies around their futures.” Cameron Vernon, Athletic Director
Transcripts from Behind The Print with Coach Camron Vernon, the Athletic Director at Northwood High School in North Carolina
Welcome back to Behind The Print podcast, where we feature industry leaders and uncover the creative minds behind businesses in the professional printing world. Our mission is to provide you with inspiring, actionable resources to elevate your business projects and accelerate your journey to excellence in profit and print.
Today’s episode is Charged Up and Printed Out and I’m here with Athletic Director at Northwood High School in North Carolina, Coach Camron Vernon.
Camron Vernon: Hi. Thanks for having me. Super excited to be here.
Zoe Fisher: We’re so glad to have you. Can you start by telling us about Northwood High School Athletics? What programs do you oversee and who are the students and families you serve?
“Visiting parents always say, ‘We don’t have anything like this.'” Cameron Vernon, Athletic Director
Camron Vernon: We have a diverse student body of just over 600 kids in grades 9 through 12. We offer around 28 varsity sports. Out of those 600 students, about 275 to 300 are involved in athletics. That’s nearly half of our student body participating in sports in some way.
Zoe Fisher: That’s incredible. What are some of the biggest challenges or goals those student athletes are facing, and how does your department support them?
Camron Vernon: The biggest challenge is balance. Students are trying to manage academics, athletics, social lives, and responsibilities at home. It takes discipline to handle that much. We try to support them by helping them develop time management and encouraging strong character, not just performance.
Zoe Fisher: I love that. You’ve been leading Northwood Athletics for over 14 years. What do you think makes your leadership style or structure unique?
Camron Vernon: For the first several years I shared the role, but now I’m in it full time. Our enrollment dropped after a new school opened in our district, so we’ve had to shift and adapt. I always tell our athletes I don’t care about the scoreboard. What I care about is attitude and effort. If they show up with a positive mindset and give one hundred percent, I’m proud of them, no matter the outcome.
Zoe Fisher: That’s such a refreshing perspective. What’s a milestone or moment that really stands out for you?
Camron Vernon: Definitely seeing our seniors share their plans after high school. Whether it’s college, trade school, military, or heading straight into the workforce, we celebrate all of it. We do a Senior Sunset event where every student gets a signing day moment. We set up a table, a backdrop, and we announce their future plans on social media. It’s one of my favorite things we do.
Zoe Fisher: That sounds so meaningful, giving every student their moment. What are some challenges you’re currently facing in your role?
Camron Vernon: Honestly, it’s managing parent expectations. We love our parents and need their support, but sometimes there’s intense pressure around scholarships and playing time. What’s tough is that I get emails about awards and minutes on the field but never about test scores. I really want the focus to be on academics because that’s what carries you in life.
Zoe Fisher: That’s such an important point. You’re supporting them as full humans, not just athletes. Can you tell me how print has played a role in supporting your athletic programs?
Camron Vernon: Back when I was in high school, we had seasonal athletic print programs for fall, winter, and spring. They were filled with team photos, senior features, and ads from local sponsors. My mom still has those, and I flip through them whenever I visit. I wanted to bring that same experience to our school.
We didn’t have a big design budget, and I’m not a graphic designer, but I knew we needed to make it happen. I designed the athletic print programs myself and started working with PrintingCenterUSA. Honestly, the quality and turnaround were amazing, and your pricing was the best I could find, even better than local vendors. The result has been incredible.
“It’s very much like a yearbook. Our kids grab them at the games, they look through them, they want to see their pictures. Parents and grandparents flip through them.” Cameron Vernon, Athletic Director
Zoe Fisher: That’s so great to hear. What kind of impact has that had?
Camron Vernon: The programs feel like mini yearbooks. Students grab them at games and look for their photos. Parents and grandparents flip through them at the ticket table. And we give them away for free. Visiting teams always say, “We don’t have anything like this.” It makes our community proud, and I love sharing templates with other schools to help them get started too.
Zoe Fisher: I love that. You’re creating legacy pieces that families will keep for years. What advice would you give someone stepping into a role like yours?
Camron Vernon: You have to love it. The schedule is intense, especially in spring when we have multiple teams and unpredictable weather. It’s not a job you do for the money. It’s about the kids. You’re there more than administrators or school board members. You’re the constant for those student athletes.
And if you have a family, it affects them too. I have three kids of my own and a very supportive wife and extended family. I don’t see my kids as much as I’d like during the season, but now that things have slowed down, I’m focused on being a better dad and husband again.
“Printing Center had the best prices, the best quality, and the quickest turnaround I could find. Local vendors were four times the price.” Cameron Vernon, Athletic Director
Zoe Fisher: That’s really honest and powerful. You’re making a huge difference in these students’ lives. Last question. If you had a day completely free, no practices, no paperwork, how would you spend it?
Camron Vernon: I’ve caught the travel bug lately. If money were no issue, I’d be traveling with my family. We’re heading to Ireland this summer, all of us, to explore our family’s roots. A researcher in Ireland has been doing our genealogy and tracing the Sullivan name. It’s going to be really meaningful.
Zoe Fisher: That sounds incredible. You definitely earned that trip. So for people who want to connect or follow Northwood Athletics, where should they go?
Camron Vernon: You can find us at northwoodathletics.net. That has schedules and contact info. Or follow us on Instagram at @chargerathletes. That’s where we post game days, athlete spotlights, and community updates.
“We had local businesses sponsor and advertise in the programs. It made them feel more involved, and it gave us a way to create something lasting.” Cameron Vernon, Athletic Director
Zoe Fisher: Amazing. Thank you so much, Camron, for all the work you’re doing and for sharing your story with us.
That’s a wrap on another episode of Behind The Print. Thanks to our listeners for joining us as we explore the artistry and innovation of the printing world. Remember, have a strong vision, build the right strategy, and use tools like print to amplify your message and make your brand stand out.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to get your sample pack today from PrintingCenterUSA.com and share it with your fellow business enthusiasts. Until next time, keep your creative sparks flying, and remember, there’s always more to discover behind the print.
Charged Up and Printed Out
Through sports, storytelling, and small acts of celebration, Camron Vernon is showing what it means to lead with intention. By using print to highlight student achievements and unify a community, he’s creating tangible legacy pieces that make young athletes feel seen and valued. Whether you’re an educator, a coach, or someone who believes in the power of print, this episode is a reminder that leadership is about showing up, staying grounded, and making moments that last. Order today!
Listen to the full episode on Spotify or check out the interview on YouTube!
