Orlando City Defender Rob Valentino is heading back to where it all began in his career in the game of soccer, Phoenix, Ariz. The 2011 USL PRO Defender of the year sat down with orlandocitysoccer.com to speak about how growing up in Phoenix helped him become the player that he is today.

“When I was growing up, that was where I found my passion through soccer so going back is like a dream come true,” said Valentino. “I consider Phoenix my home since I have my parents, wife and life-long friendships there.”

Born in Hoffman Estates, III., Valentino moved to California during his childhood. It was when he moved to Arizona at the age of 11 that he started building passion for soccer.

Valentino participated in travel soccer with the Sereno Soccer Club from eighth grade to his senior year of high school before being recruited by the University of San Francisco, where he captained the Dons all four years.

After achieving so much in the last two years with Orlando City, Valentino credits his success to his club travel coach in Arizona, Harry Demos.

“My travel coach is a big supporter, he is like a parent and inspiration,” added Valentino. “I always try to give back to my old team by helping coach during the offseason.”

Despite spending much of the year in with the Lions, Valentino did say he does go back to Phoenix to visit during the holidays and has family that comes down during the summer.

“I have a huge family and I had a lot of family come down during the Newcastle United friendly in 2011,” said Valentino. “I am expecting 30 or more family members coming to see me this Sunday for our season opener.”

The Lions take on new USL PRO franchise Phoenix FC on Sunday, April 7, and with Valentino going back home to visit, he still insures that itʼs strictly business once the ball kicks off.

“Hopefully Iʼll see my family before the game, but we have to remain focused and get the three points because these two road games will be tough,” he added. “Phoenix is adding a lot to the league, itʼs making the USL PRO more competitive.”