After a successful two-year stint at Salt Lake Community College, midfielder Kaydon Zamora-Reeves has made an immediate impact on the UCCS men's soccer team since joining the program prior to the 2020-2021 season. In his first two seasons as a Mountain Lion, Zamora-Reeves has started 21 of the team's 23 games and logged over 1,600 minutes on the pitch. The native of Taylorsville, Utah, was one of just three UCCS players to start each of the team's 17 games during the recently completed 2021 season as he registered 13 shots, one shot on goal, and one assist while playing the full 90 minutes in nine matches. The redshirt senior was also named to the 2021 RMAC All-Academic Honor Roll for his accomplishments in the classroom. 

As the UCCS men's soccer team enters the offseason, we caught up with Kaydon to learn more about how he got started playing soccer and what he enjoys most about the game.

Q: Can you describe your decision-making process in choosing to play soccer and further your education at UCCS after finishing up at Salt Lake Community College?
A: I knew I wanted to pursue my athletics career and schooling. While I was searching for schools to transfer to, I got the opportunity to practice with the UCCS soccer team before transferring from SLCC. I made the trip out and trained with the team on my official visit. I fell in love with the campus and city, when I returned home from my visit, I made the final decision that UCCS was where I was going, and the next day I signed to play soccer and further my education at UCCS.

Q: Why did you decide to major in Criminal Justice?
A: I chose CJ because I really like the criminal investigation side of the career and forensic science side.

Q: What are your career goals or ambitions after graduation?
A: My career goals after graduation are to get into the air force and fly fighter jets or helicopters. Getting my B.A before going will really give me the edge and boost I need to succeed in the Air Force.

Q: How were you first introduced to soccer? What do you enjoy most about the game?
A: I was first introduced to soccer when I was six. My parents put me on a recreation team because I loved sports, and I haven't stopped playing since. I enjoy the competitiveness of the game and the will every person on the field has to win.

Q: What is one aspect of the sport that you think is the most challenging?
A: For me the most challenging thing is being able to maintain my body and health during the season. It takes everyday work and recovery to make it to the finish line.

Q: How do you prepare yourself mentally and physically before a competition?
A: Mentally I start preparing in the locker room before the match. Once I get to the locker room before the game, I forget about everything else and bring all my attention and focus to the game. Physically I start off by eating good and making sure my body is ready to go and I am as fit as possible to play in the match.

Q: What is your go-to meal after a competition?
A: Chipotle is the go-to meal after competition.

Q: What are some things you enjoy doing when you have free time?
A: I enjoy snowboarding mostly and hanging out with friends. I also enjoy playing video games.