Growing up in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, competing at the highest level of soccer has always been a priority for University of Rhode Island fourth-year defender Lily Camacho.
Before becoming a Division I soccer player, Camacho consistently stood out on the pitch.
At Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, she was captain of the school’s soccer team, where she earned two All-State selections. Camacho also led her team to both a sectional and state championship in 2020.
During that time, she also received an invitation to the U14 U.S. National Team Camp and was a member of the Player Development Academy U14 ECNL National Championship team.
Coming to URI as a transfer from Seton Hall University, Camacho started her collegiate soccer career less than 30 minutes from where she grew up in New Jersey.
In the two seasons she spent with the Pirates, she saw the field for a combined 29 games, all of which she started.
However, it wasn’t her playing time that prompted a transfer from Camacho, but rather the lack of playing soccer in November.
“Part of the reason for coming here was wanting to compete for conference championships,” Camacho said. “We weren’t seeing much of that kind of success at Seton Hall, and I think coming into the season last year and making it to an Atlantic 10 Championship was awesome.”
After opening conference play with a loss to Duquesne University, Camacho and the Rams have won five out of the last six games, placing them in the top two of the conference ahead of the A10 Tournament.
With all Rhody has accomplished this season, Camacho earned A10 Co-Offensive Player of the Week after scoring crucial goals against both Davidson College and St. Bonaventure University.
“I wasn’t expecting to receive it,” Camacho said. “It was kind of funny because being a center back, I looked at it and I was like, ‘Is this a typo?’ Nonetheless, it was awesome getting that honor.”
Although she’s listed as a defender on the roster, Camacho has found success on both sides of the ball this season.
“It’s been amazing,” Camacho said. “Having the opportunity to play on the back line and work defensively, but also contribute offensively and score goals, especially against Davidson to secure the victory, is just awesome.”
The relationships she’s built with her teammates off the field have translated to the team’s success on the field.
“I’ve definitely made some amazing friendships,” Camacho said. “We’re a very lucky team in that we all truly get along with each other, and I think that helps to push the momentum and really help us buy in to what we all want to accomplish.”
After losing in the A10 Championship to the University of Dayton in penalty kicks last season, Camacho’s primary focus is returning to the big game before she graduates.
“When I thought we won in the PK last year, I had that five seconds where I ran onto the field, and it felt so rewarding,” Camacho said. “I would feel very satisfied and happy with my soccer experience by having that title under my belt.”
