Interlake Saints senior soccer player Cameron Rao remembers May of 2016 like it was just yesterday.

Rao, who was a freshman on the Saints 2016 Class 3A state championship squad, is the only current player on the Saints varsity roster who experienced the thrill of hoisting a state championship trophy at Sparks Stadium in downtown Puyallup.

“It was just a crazy experience. I’m just really thankful for all of the staff and coaches here at Interlake. It all started for me freshman year (2016) when Dan Peterson (Interlake head coach) believed in me and played me with the varsity squad. It was a privilege playing in the state title game. It all started with coach Peterson,” Rao explained.

Rao’s senior season has gotten off to a great start this spring. The Saints currently have an overall record of 2-0. Interlake has outscored its opponents 7-1 in the process. Rao, who has scored two goals thus far during the 2019 season from his forward position, believes team chemistry is one of the Saints’ best strengths.

“I think we have a lot of chemistry outside of soccer that plays a huge role in soccer as well. I just tell myself to do my job and trust that the rest of the team will do their job. I trust these guys on the team 100 percent,” Rao said.

Recently the Bellevue Reporter had the opportunity to ask Rao some questions about his life away from the soccer field.

Bellevue Reporter: What is your dream vacation spot?

Cameron Rao: It would be anywhere in California. It is warmer than here.

BR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

CR: When people leave their garbage in my car after I drive them somewhere.

BR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

CR: My girlfriend, Kaitlyn Du.

BR: What is your favorite hobby away from soccer?

CR: I play NBA2K and a little bit of FIFA (video games) a lot.

BR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

CR: I have an Instagram account that is meant for soccer. It is kind of on the rise right now.