July 6, 2009
ORLANDO, Florida (UCFAthletics.com) - In his first season at UCF after transferring from Anderson University (S.C.), Camilo Rendon (Miami, Fla.) made an immediate impact as a defender on the men's soccer team. As a sophomore, Rendon was one of five Knights to start each of the team's 19 games in 2008.
Rendon was a major cog of a defensive unit that improved the team's goals against average from 2.22 in 2007 to 1.29 in 2008. Despite being a newcomer and an underclassman, he became a leader on the young UCF team. After the season, Rendon was awarded by the men's soccer staff with both the team's Iron Award and the Coaches Award.
The Miami native has spent the majority of his summer in his hometown with family and friends. In a recent Q&A, Rendon spoke of his summer, his thoughts on his first season at UCF and his thoughts on being a team leader.
When you have not been playing soccer, what have you done with your free time this summer?
"With my free time this summer, I go to the gym, study and hang around with my friends and play karaoke."
Have you been able to spend some time with your family and friends in Miami?
"Fortunately, I've been able to spend a lot of time with my family and friends in Miami, it's really nice to see them and catch up.
What classes did you take this summer?
"I took classes in summer A, sociology and medical terminology."
You made an immediate impact on the team after transferring to UCF. Were you surprised at how quickly you found yourself in the starting lineup?
"Yes, I was surprised but I'm glad that my ward work and training paid off. I always say; you can have anything in this world, it is just a matter of how bad you want it."
What were your overall impressions of the first season at UCF?
"My first impression was that it was a very young team and there was a lot to look forward to in the future."
Being a defender, you seemed to develop into a leader on the field as the season went on. Is that a role that you enjoy and do you hope to be a team leader this season?
"It truly is just an instinct. I really enjoy helping my fellow teammates out. I do hope to become a team leader this season. I like helping my team in every possible way and being a leader is one of the best ways to do so."
What do you personally hope to improve on for next season?
"Well, that is a long list... I would most like to improve in my attacking aspects of the game."
What are your goals for the team in the upcoming season?
"My goal for my team in this upcoming season is to be able to show our moms our conference championship rings."
Have you kept in touch with your teammates this summer? Has the team gotten together to do anything fun off the field?
Of course we keep in touch. Maybe a little too much. They are my second family. Everybody is doing individual training right now and trying to better themselves.