Caden Sim, a football player for the Verrado Vipers, is making waves in the long-snapping community by using his innate talent and dedication to pursue his goals.
Sim demonstrates that perseverance and hard work can lead to amazing opportunities, having risen from modest beginnings to obtain a coveted 4-star ranking and an invitation to the esteemed Future Stars Camp in Panama City, Florida.
Sim is on a mission to demonstrate what is possible with unwavering determination, with his goals of playing for his ideal school, the University of Florida, and earning an All-American status. On January 18 and 19, 2025, the Kohl’s Future Stars Invitational was held at Publix Sports Park in Panama City Beach, Florida. Talented kickers, punters, and long snappers who showed promise during the 2024 Winter Showcase Tour were the target audience for this invite-only event. The goal of the camp was to produce athletes who were dedicated to their studies and were expected to be highly sought after in their respective classes. Participants received individualized feedback and valuable exposure through in-depth training sessions and one-on-one interviews with senior Kohl’s employees.
With Day 1 devoted to competitions and Day 2 to training, the two-day camp had a demanding schedule. Under the direction of seasoned coaches, athletes had the chance to hone their abilities and make connections with peers who had similar goals. In addition to emphasizing athletic growth, the event promoted teamwork among competitors, making it an unforgettable and rewarding experience.
Athletes are immersed in a professional, development-oriented setting at the Future Stars Camp, which prioritizes both the mental and technical components of performance. It gives users access to state-of-the-art training methods, tools to improve accuracy and consistency, and knowledge of what it takes to compete at the top levels. In addition to promoting physical growth, the camp helps athletes develop the resilience, leadership, and competitive mentality that are essential for sustained success in sports.
To guarantee a high degree of competition and quality, the Future Stars Camp in Panama City, Florida, continues to use a selective admissions process. Athletes are selected based on their exceptional performances at the Winter Showcase Tour and Kohl’s Kicking Camps, where their skill level, potential, and dedication to development are assessed. Finding kickers, punters, and long snappers in their freshman, sophomore, and junior years who exhibit the technical skill and work ethic necessary to succeed at the next level is the main goal of the selection process. This guarantees that the camp is made up of committed people who have the aptitude and motivation to excel as collegiate prospects.
Caden Sim, a standout player for the Verrado Vipers, said, “It all began when Coach Hathcock mentioned that his son was one of the top long snappers in the country for his graduating class.” I went to my first ranking camp after deciding to continue training with the same coach. I didn’t anticipate finishing third in overall scoring or being the camp’s highest-charted snapper because I was new to everything. A short while later, I was formally invited to the invite-only Future Stars Camp in Panama City, Florida. That’s also when I earned my 4-star ranking.”
“Now, I’m preparing to attend the Kohl’s Long Snapping Camp in Nashville, Tennessee, to try and qualify as an All-American and play in the All-American Game. Only two long snappers out of hundreds of kids get that chance, so it’s a huge opportunity. My dream school is Florida, and if I stay consistent and keep working hard, I know I can make it happen.”
The transformation of Caden Sim from a novice to a four-star long snapper is a prime example of the strength of perseverance, hard work, and focus in pursuing goals. His talent and dedication are demonstrated by the opportunities he has earned, such as his invitation to the Future Stars Camp and his impending attendance at the Kohl’s Long Snapping Camp in Nashville. With his goals of playing for the University of Florida and earning an All-American status, Sim is demonstrating that hard work and ambition can lead to success. Sim’s story inspires athletes everywhere who want to reach the next level as he keeps improving and taking on new challenges.
