There are many new faces on the Orlando Pride roster this season. Amongst them, Camila-- the young Brazilian international midfielder Camila. At just 22, she has started in both of Orlando Pride’s matches so far this season. And after being signed by the team during the offseason, Camila confirmed that she is settling nicely into the squad.
It helps that Camila is playing alongside two fellow Brazilians in Orlando. Camila has played with both Monica and Marta at the international level, and they serve as her guides and her friends. It isn’t always easy joining a new club-- especially with such a strong language barrier. But Monica has been with the club since the start of their inaugural season, and took Camila under her wing. Surely, she will only grow more comfortable and confident with the arrival of Marta.
“It’s been awesome. Those two are great players. I have played with Monica in the national team, as well as Marta,” Camila said. “They are great players and we’ve played in the national team together many times. Marta is just incredible, her qualities just lift everyone up and it’s just incredible to have her here. I’ve played with her as well on the national team, but it’s great to have her in my club as well. It’s great to have her on the field, but it’s also great to have her friendship off the field.”
Camila has started in both matches for the Orlando Pride this season, and while she has yet to find the back of the net, she has created a lot of goalscoring opportunities. She feels that she is getting her best work done in training and in the games because she is surrounded by great athletes and a coach that trusts her.
“In all my clubs, they have always given me a lot of liberty, freedom. But Tom [Sermanni] gives me a lot of trust, and that makes me feel way better,” Camila said. “He makes me feel at home and helps me be able to do what I can do and what I’m able to do. Also playing amongst those great athletes, every day, every training, every game I get everything I can out of them. They are great athletes and I think will help me in my career. But they help me on and off the field. It’s great for me to grow on the field, but they’ve also been helping me off the field with my English and everything.”
Camila is a young player, whose talent will only grow and develop as the season goes on. What’s important right now is that she feels she has a place to develop that talent, to learn from the best. Camila has found a home in Orlando and that just might lead her to greatness.
