Camila Gómez, former libero for Sesc Flamengo, has surprised the sports world by leaving the volleyball court behind to begin rigorous military training in the US Army.
The journey of professional athletes usually follows traditional paths after retirement, but former player Camila Gómez has decided on a drastic change. At 31 years old, the Colombian athlete traded the atmosphere of volleyball arenas for the strict discipline of a military base in Florida.
Known in Brazil for her notable stint with Sesc Flamengo during the 2020/2021 season, the former libero concluded her competitive sports career to dedicate herself to public service in the United States, a country where she has lived for about ten years.
New career in the United States
Before joining the American armed forces, Camila Gómez took important steps outside of sports. In 2025, she completed her firefighter training, joining the Miami Fire Department.
Seeking to expand her work in emergency services, the former Sesc Flamengo player decided to combine her passion for challenges with a military career, with future plans to also qualify as a paramedic.
The M360 Team stated:
Her experience as a professional athlete has been fundamental in enduring the physical demands of her new routine, although psychological adaptation and isolation present major challenges.
Intense routine in the Army
The Colombian’s daily life is now the complete opposite of the serves and receives of the Women’s Superliga. The preparation program involves extreme survival tests, group tactical maneuvers, and exhausting physical conditioning sessions.
Furthermore, the routine features strict restrictions on communication with the outside world. Within the military ecosystem, Camila Gómez is also investing in technical training, working on courses focused on driving and operating specialized vehicles.
The future in sports and the Red-and-Black scenario
Even immersed in military life and far from official social media, the athlete still harbors the dream of representing the Colombia national team in future commitments, maintaining an emotional bond with the sport that launched her internationally.
Meanwhile, Sesc Flamengo remains focused on its commitments on the court. Led by Bernardinho, the Rio de Janeiro team is preparing for its debut in the Campeonato Carioca against Tijuca Tênis Clube, seeking to return to winning ways after hard-fought preseason matches.
