By Dave Johnson
W&M Athletics

On the pitch, it's easy to see Lucas Caldas as a natural. One that first kicked a soccer ball and just about anything else that would roll a few days after taking his first step.

As you trace the branches of his family tree, you find that makes sense.

"My dad's from Brazil and my mom's from Colombia — how could I not have gotten into soccer?" said Caldas, William & Mary's top scorer last season as a sophomore. "My dad played, my grandfather played, and I'm sure my great-grandfather played. It was almost like blood lineage into playing."

Caldas, a first-generation American, was born in Reston, Va., went to Dominion High in Sterling and played with Arlington Soccer. It was at a club tournament when Tribe coach Chris Norris first saw Caldas, a recent addition to the team. Norris' first reaction, he said, was "Whoa, who's this guy?"

Norris was happy to learn that, in addition to being gifted on the pitch, Caldas was an excellent, trilingual student who cared not only about his community but his world. William & Mary likes the entire package, and this kid had it.

"You can tell right away he's a very outgoing, personable and focused individual," Norris said. "He has a magnetic personality and is an energetic guy who pursues his passions."

Lucas' parents, Thiago and Lady Caldas, grew up in bordering countries but more than 7,500 miles apart. They met, purely by chance, at Northern Virginia Community College in 2001. They were both enrolled in a class to learn how to speak English.

They soon became citizens and were married. Lucas, their only child, came along in 2003.

The family settled in Northern Virginia, where Thiago owns HomeSmiles DMV, which contracts with major property management companies as well as residential preventive maintenance services. He's also taking online courses in the Mason School of Business, where he is pursuing a MS in Finance. Lady is vice president of property management with RAM Partners.

Thiago's native language is Portuguese, Lady's is Spanish. Lucas is fluent in both.

"My major is international relations, and I've always wanted to use the blessings I've had of growing up in the United States and coming to William & Mary to give back," Caldas said. "Maybe working private or with the United States government and focusing on the Latin American.

"That's so close to my heart and it's what I've always wanted to do. And speaking three languages fluently does open doors."

Last summer, Caldas served a hybrid internship with Chief Executives Organization in Washington. The company works with influential executives and stakeholders around the globe. Among other roles, Caldas helped plan and execute executive events and retreats.

"I was really lucky to be able to meet and talk with all types of top-level people in their realm," Caldas said. "I was able to use my languages to translate some documents."

Caldas also is involved with NextGen America, a non-profit political action committee that mobilizes young voters on progressive issues.
"I was reached out to by them, and they piqued my interest," said Caldas, who will vote in his first presidential election this year. "I've always loved politics and international diplomacy, and I align with their ideals.

"I feel it's important. A lot of people don't get the chance to vote, and a lot of people in the world don't have the opportunity we do. It's important for us as Americans to recognize it's an important civil duty."

At Dominion High, Caldas was named Loudoun County Player of the Year as a senior and set a school record with four goals in a game. But like most student-athletes who wind up at William & Mary, it wasn't just a sport that lured him here.

"I had been to Williamsburg multiple times because of tournaments, so I was familiar with the area but not with the school itself," Caldas said. "When it came to deep diving, William & Mary just kept sticking out to me for its excellence, its international program and its connections.

"My godmother's son went to William & Mary and was class president, so I had heard about it. When I met people here, with their warmth and their smiles, it definitely felt like a place I could call home."

Caldas scored a team-best five goals last season, three coming in his first five games. His goal in the 64th minute against Northeastern was the difference in a 1-0 win.

"He's a unique talent as an attacking player," Norris said. "He's big (6-foot-2, 180 pounds), very nimble, fast and works hard.
"He's pretty good in all areas of the game, so the talent piece initially is what attracted us. He has everything to become a great striker."

The Tribe will play its first of three friendlies Monday night at home against Christopher Newport. The regular-season opener is set for Aug. 28 at Binghamton University.

Caldas is encouraged by what he's seen in preseason training.

"Honestly, I have never been a part of a stronger group of guys and a stronger group of friends," he said. "Everyone is dedicated and willing to fight for each other. I've been here for two years, and it feels like this group is the most glued together and the most disciplined and the hardest working.

"Last season was a little disappointing, but nothing could have made our group stronger than having gone through that. Knowing that mostly everyone that is coming back has been through that is another stepping stone for us. I'm super excited."