Soccer opening worlds of opportunities for Rodolfo Lucas

From “Sympathy City” to Coffeyville, his soccer dreams span thousands of miles and nearly 20 years.  Rodolfo Lucas played soccer in Mogi-Mirim, Brazil since he was 4-years-old.  His hometown is often called “Sympathy City” because it is so friendly.  Located just 30 minutes from the largest mall in South American, Mogi-Mirim has a population of nearly 100,000.  The area has a lot of hills and enjoys tropical weather.  

In 2006, one of Lucas’ friends contacted him about his experience playing soccer for a Midwestern college in the United States.  He met Coffeyville Community College (CCC) Coach Cory Feerer through Instant Messenger and decided he would try playing soccer in the U.S.

“It is easier to play in the U.S. than in Brazil,” said Lucas.  “In Brazil, I’m already too old to play on a professional team.  Most players who are set to become professionals start playing in the ‘Juniors’ at age 14-15.  I came to the U.S. to play soccer and try and become professional in the U.S. while learning the English language.  If I can go back to Brazil with a four-year degree and know English I will have a lot of good job opportunities.” 

Lucas is now a sophomore and is set to graduate in May.  He works in the CCC maintenance department and fills in for help in the cafeteria.  He is deciding whether to play for a semi-pro soccer team, the Indiana Invaders, this summer or work.  The Invaders have asked him to play for them (he would play against fellow Red Raven, Israel Bisoni, who plays for the Demize).  In the fall of 2008, Lucas will start working on his four-year degree at Valparaiso, Indiana.  He has earned a soccer scholarship to play for Valparaiso. 

“I was looking at D-1 schools with good academics and a degree in international business,” said Lucas.  “I like the look of the college and the scholarship covers most of my expenses.  I will be one hour from Chicago.” 

When he isn’t hitting the books or kicking around a ball on the soccer field, Lucas enjoys playing any sport, working on his computer and traveling. 

“I don’t like to work out,” he said.  “I like to run and play sports.”

He also doesn’t enjoy reading, but visiting with his family through a webcam on his computer is a top priority.  Lucas’ family includes an older brother, a D.J. in Brazil, his mom, a secretary, and his dad, the administrator of a company.  The family has a Cocker Spaniel named Laika. 

Lucas has traveled with the Red Raven soccer team throughout Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri and Oklahoma.  He hopes to see Florida, New York and Alaska before he returns to Brazil. 

Lucas’ academic abilities at CCC earned him a spot in the Etta Gamma Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society where he helps with gym cleaning and other fundraising projects.   

As Lucas leaves Coffeyville to play semi-professional soccer and then on a D-1 team at the same time earning a degree in International Business he is living his dream.  

Coffeyville Community College (CCC) student, Rodolfo Lucas, will graduate in May and move on to earn a degree in International Business and hopefully play professional soccer.

Lucas stands with his family in Brazil, (l-r) brother, Murilo Augusto Bertassoli Lucas, dad, Luis Gonzaga Lucas, Rodolfo and his mom, Marilze de Lourdes Bertassoli Lucas.