The Georgia Call-Up: Lake Oconee Academy's Jameson McCuin

For this week’s SDH Network Georgia Call-Up, we head to Lake Oconee Academy to spotlight senior center back Jameson McCuin. His path hasn’t been linear — arriving as a freshman, he filled a variety of roles, even spending time as a backup goalkeeper. Over the years, he’s settled into the back line and grown into a key piece for the program, contributing to the team’s run to its first state championship in 2025.

Now a senior captain, McCuin’s development reflects both consistency and a willingness to learn. Head coach Tyler Mayer points to his steady improvement and presence within the team as important parts of that growth. We caught up with Jameson and Coach Mayer to talk about his progression, his role this season, and how he approaches the game day to day.

Jameson McCuin Q&A:

Q: Who is a player you model your game after and why? 

A: I like to model my game after many different professionals like Virgil Van Dijk or Antiono Rudiger, but most of all my goal is to play to my own unique play style and leave everything on the field.

Q: Who inspires you the most and why?

A: Someone who inspires me the most is one of my teammates, Jack Kalmanowicz, in every practice, game, or conditioning drill he is always giving his hardest even when no one is looking, and that is what I aspire to be like.

Q: What’s one thing people don’t realize about your sport?

A: One thing people don't realize about soccer is how much intelligence and smarts it takes to play the sport. There is a lot more to the game other than the fitness aspect, despite what others may think.

Q: Earliest soccer memory? 

A: . My earliest soccer memory has to be playing rec ball at around 5-6 years old and wanting to play on the playground after each game.

Q: How would your teammates describe you?

A: I'm not quite sure how my teammates would describe me, but I hope that they can describe me as a leader and as an accepting person, as that is what I aspire to be.

Q: How has been balancing being a student athlete?

A: Balancing homework, soccer, and working outside of school can be difficult at times, but it never really causes stress, only because I know that at the end of the day I can go to practice and play with this great team that I am fortunate to be a part of.

Q: Favorite memory with your teammates? 

A: My favorite memory with my teammates has to be the celebration, each game, after each goal we score. The emotion and joy that radiates from each player is irreplaceable, and by far my favorite. 

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I'm not quite sure where I might be, but I hope that in that time I'm doing something I love, making an impact, and being the best person I can be.

Lake Oconee Academy Boy's Soccer Head Coach Tyler Mayer Q&A:

Q: How would you describe Jameson in one word?

A: Authentic

Q: What has it been like to watch her develop as a player and a person during your time?

A: Jameson has transformed into one of the state's elite soccer players. When I first arrived, he was a timid freshman and a utility player, even serving as a backup goalkeeper. However, his relentless work ethic and willingness to be coached have been remarkable. He helped lead us to our first state championship in 2025 and is now a senior team captain. He is truly one of the most talented players in the state at any level. Beyond his athletic ability, his kindheartedness within the school and the community is second to none.

Q: How would you describe Jameson as a player?

A: Relentless.

Q: What does their work ethic look like when no one’s watching?

A: He is always working. He is fully committed to becoming better every single time we train.

Q: What makes them unique beyond the stats?

A: His character precedes him. As a student-athlete, he understands he is a role model; he does everything he can to ensure his words, thoughts, and actions set a positive example, especially for the younger athletes who look up to him.

Q: What do people outside the program maybe not see about them?

A: While he is relentless, hardworking, and occasionally stubborn on the field, at the end of the day, he is still a kid and a true joy to be around. Most people who know him probably already recognize what a great person he is.

Lake Oconee Academy is back in action today at 7:00 p.m. where they host Harlem at home.

The Georgia Call-Up, in partnership with the Georgia Student Finance Authority, is our statewide initiative spotlighting high school players that college coaches should know. If there’s a student-athlete who deserves to be seen, we want to hear about them.

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