ORLANDO – A pillar of excellence on the pitch throughout the last five years in representation of his team, UCF men’s soccer alum Anderson Rosa was bestowed the highest honor a student can receive at the university.
Making history for his program, Rosa became the first in UCF men’s soccer history to earn the Order of Pegasus award this spring, the university announced.
The honor recognizes exemplary performance by UCF bachelor’s degree students in the areas of academic achievement, outstanding university involvement, leadership, and community service.
In addition to excelling in the classroom and within the surrounding community, Rosa in 2024 broke the program’s all-time career games played record, finishing his career with a program-best 76 consecutive matches played. He did not miss a single contest throughout his five-year collegiate tenure. He also recently made his MLS debut with the Colorado Rapids in February 2025.
The defender completed his time with the Knights the owner of eight goals and 14 assists, totaling 87 shot attempts and 28 shots on goal. Two of his goals were game-winners, tallied in both of his final two seasons in Orlando.
Throughout the fall 2024 campaign, Rosa also set single-season career bests in assists (6), shot attempts (32) and shots on goal (11), while also anchoring his team's defensive scheme that would allow two or fewer goals in 15 of 16 games, one or fewer goals in 10 games, and three clean sheets.