By Matt Browning
For Charlize Cash, the outdoors has always felt like home.
Growing up surrounded by family traditions rooted in nature, Cash said her appreciation began long before she could fully understand it.
“My love for the outdoors started at a really young age,” she said. “We have been camping with my family for as long as I can remember.”
Some of her earliest memories take place at her grandfather’s farm, where a simple pond became the backdrop for countless summer days.
“At my grandpa’s farm, there is a pond where we fish and swim,” Cash said. “My initial love for the outdoors is how peaceful it is and the stars at night.”
That sense of calm, combined with time spent with family, helped shape a passion that continues to grow. Much of that time has been spent alongside her father, who shares her love for fishing.
“My dad goes fishing a lot, so anytime that I can go with him when I am not practicing sports, I do,” she said. “I always go with my dad and his friends.”
Like any outdoor enthusiast, Cash has built plenty of memories along the way — some more successful than others. One moment, in particular, still stands out.
“One specific memory that stands out for me is when we were at a pond, and I thought I could jump over the edge of the pond where the water looked dried up,” she said. “I did not make it and lost my shoe in the mud.”
Even so, those experiences have only added to her enjoyment of the outdoors, especially when it comes to friendly competition with her dad.
“My greatest accomplishment when fishing is anytime I out fish my dad,” Cash said with a laugh. “Which is about 50% of the time.”
As she prepares for the next chapter — continuing her basketball career at Bethel College — Cash hopes to make the most of her time outside before heading off.
“I hope to do a lot of camping and catch many big fish before I go off to Bethel College to play basketball,” she said.
