David Acuña Camacho '15 was named MAAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 after finishing the year with three goals, including two game-winners, and six assists. He also earned the Soccer News Net College Boot Supporter's Choice Award, All-Northeast Region Second Team, ECAC All-Star, All-MAAC First Team and MAAC All-Academic Team honors following his senior campaign. Acuña Camacho started all 78 of his career games with four goals and 10 assists. The Heredia, Costa Rica native played a pivotal role in the defense's NCAA Division I Statistical Championships in goals-against average in 2013 and 2014. On September 1, 2020, he was named to the MAAC 40th Anniversary Team.
What have you been up to since graduating from Monmouth?
I went on to England and got my Masters in Business. I then joined Cisco Systems through their Sales Associate Program and moved to Raleigh, NC for five months. After a year, I was assigned as the Enterprise Account Manager for Cisco in the Cayman Islands, The Bahamas, Bermuda and Turks & Caicos. I am now entering my second year in the territory after finishing at 130% of my quota.
What is your fondest memory at Monmouth?
Arriving for the visit before making the decision and not even having a clue about the fact that my life was about to take a turn for the best.
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and why?
I would like to go to the Nordic countries and learn more about their way of life and how they've been able to provide such a high quality of life for their people.
If you could master one skill right now that you don't have, what would it be?
I would like to master the ability to learn new languages. Communication for me is the most powerful skill a human can have and being able to communicate with everyone around the world to share and receive knowledge would be incredible.
If you could give advice to a current Monmouth player, what would it be?
Lean into discomfort. Make sure your identity is not solely who you are as a soccer player. Leave the place better than you found it and just make the best out of your time there.
How did your time at Monmouth prepare you for life after graduation?
Incredibly well. I often find myself in situations in life and work where I was not aware my time at MU prepared me for so much. Academically speaking, handling pressure and stress in soccer, leadership skills, culturally, the list is endless.
Between your former teammates and coaches, who has had the most impact on your life?
Coach McCourt and Coach MacDonald not only impacted my life, they completely changed its course and I will not be where I am today if it was not for them. I will be forever grateful to them, the program and this incredible institution for putting me on the path to become a better human being and build my legacy.
