New Kids on the Block is a series featuring student-athletes that are new to UTRGV this year to allow everyone to get to know the next generation of Vaqueros. Look out for features every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
 
Name: Renan Dos Santos
Sport: Men's Soccer
 
1. Where are you from?
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
 
2. What was it like growing up there?
It was amazing. I grew up in a beautiful and huge city with lots of thing to do. Always with my family and friends around me, I was always looking to do things outside home. I never liked to stay at home playing video games, for example. Going to the beach is my favorite hobby. It's the first place I go when I come home.
 
3. What is your favorite childhood memory?
Playing hide and seek with my friends.
 
4. What's your favorite color?
Black
 
5. What's your favorite book?
Alex. A Biografia
 
6. What was your favorite TV show as a kid? What about now?
Taz Mania
 
7. What's your favorite movie?
Elite Squad
 
8. What's your favorite song?
Sorrisos by L7nnon
 
9. Who is your favorite musical artist/group?
Group Revelação 
 
10. Other than the sport in which you compete, what is your favorite sport?
Skateboard
 
11. What is your favorite professional sports team?
 
FC Barcelona
 
12. How did you become a fan of that team?
Because of Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Messi, they are phenomenal players who have played on this team. They used to make unbelievable plays.
 
13. Who are your favorite professional athletes and why?
Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Messi (soccer players) and Luan Oliveira (skateboarder). They seem passionate about the sport, making the sport seem easy.
 
14. If you weren't competing in your sport, what would you be doing?
Maybe I would be back home just studying.
 
15. Why did you choose your sport?
I've been playing since I was 4 or 5 years old and it became a loving routine. Soccer chose me.
 
16. What is the biggest challenge of being a student-athlete?
To be so far away from family.
 
17. When you have free time, what do you like to do?
Hang out with my friends and go to the beach.
 
18. What brought you to UTRGV?
Since my first contact with Coach Leese, I felt confident in the goals he had for me and the team in general, not only as athletes, but also as individuals during and after college.
 
19. What are your major/minor/planned areas of study?
International business and marketing
 
20. What do you want to do after you graduate?
I want to play professionally and have the opportunity to open my own business.
 
21. What's your dream job?
Soccer player
 
22. Who is the biggest inspiration in your life?
My sister, mom and dad. 
 
23. What is something most people don't know about you?
I play chess.
 
24. Is there anything else you want everyone to know about you?
Life is good and we always have to be grateful for that. No matter what it is, we have to enjoy life making every moment worthwhile. It's not about me, but I try to follow this and I believe that if everyone tries this as well, the world will be better and happier.

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