If you’ve been around BUSA for even a little while, chances are you’ve met Coach Lucas — the coach of our 2013 Boys and 2015 Girls, and the coordinator of the BUSA Rec League. But did you know that soccer wasn’t always the center of his world?
Let’s rewind the tape! 🎬
At just 4 years old, Lucas stepped onto the judo mats for the first time, following in his father’s footsteps. Even though his heart secretly beat for soccer ⚽, his early days were filled with throws, flips, and fierce judo battles. His hard work paid off — by age 14, he was training with the Brazilian Air Force’s elite Physical Education School and collecting medals like candy: 🥇 three-time Rio de Janeiro state champion, and 🥉 4th place in Brazil’s national U15 championship!
But life had a plot twist. After an injury sidelined him, Lucas stepped away from judo and into the world of academics. At 16, he entered law school. But plot twist #2 — by 18, he switched to journalism, and that’s when the soccer bug bit hard again! 🐞⚽
To stay close to the sport he loved, Lucas became a soccer referee, and within just three years, he was calling matches at none other than the Maracanã Stadium — the crown jewel of Brazilian soccer!
Then came the biggest twist of all: upon graduating in journalism, Lucas was invited to coach soccer in the USA. He took a leap of faith and landed on American soil in 2017, chasing his passion with everything he had. Fast forward to 2022, and there he was: Coach Lucas arrived in Maryland, ready to inspire, teach, and dream big with the amazing players at BUSA.
And he’s just getting started. 💪💙
So next time you see Coach Lucas on the field, remember: behind that whistle is a story of discipline, resilience, reinvention — and a whole lot of love for the beautiful game.