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R. Cam Camarena
R. Cam Camarena became the third University of Hawaii at Hilo men’s soccer head coach on August 1, 2008. He assumed the duo role of men's and women's soccer coach on March 1, 2009.
With over 37 years of coaching experience and player development, Camarena looks forward to the opportunity to guide the third-year program.
"It’s a great challenge to be a part of something that could be really successful," Camarena said. "If you look at some one successful, there are certain trademarks that they have – dedication, commitment, excellence, work ethic and loyalty.
"And soccer is the vehicle I like to use to make those an everyday part of our athlete's lives."
Camarena last collegiate coaching tenure was at Santa Barbara City College where he led the program from 1999-2002. Prior to that, he was an assistant coach at the University of California-Santa Barbara (1994-95) and Westmont College (1986-89). While serving as the head coach at Oxnard City College (1979-81), Camarena was also an assistant coach of the Los Angeles Aztecs (1980) in the North American Soccer League.
“My coaching style is ball possession with an emphasis on teamwork and getting to the goal as soon as possible,” Camarena said. “I teach the principals of play, which completely supports the players in understanding where to be and what to do in most game situations.
“To me, winning is the result of hard work, dedication, loyalty and trust in the system, the staff and the players.”
Camarena started organized youth soccer in the Santa Barbara area when he founded the AYSO Region 122 in 1976. He developed the Gladiators Soccer Club (1977-80) and the CA Legends Soccer Club (1995-2005). From 1979-80, Camarena served as the director of coaches and Olympic Development Program for the California Youth Soccer Association South.
He achieved his United States Soccer Federation (USSF) “A” Level license in 1978.
Following collegiate careers at UC-Santa Barbara and Cerritos Junior College, Camarena capped his playing career as a member of the Santa Barbara Condors of the American Soccer League.
Camarena graduated UC Santa Barbara in 1977 with a bachelor of arts in Spanish.
Camarena and his wife, Sigrid, have been married for 37 years and have two daughters – Nicole and Danielle.