Lucas Abreu finds his biggest moment beyond the court

Lucas Pereira de Abreu has played an important role for Brazil at the FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship, with the middle blocker producing double-figure performances against Mexico and Poland.

The 16-year-old has also had his family in Doha, a rare opportunity for them to be together while he represents Brazil.

“I will always remember this moment because I rarely see my family altogether and having them reunited in a different country is a dream come true,” Lucas said.

His mother, father and sister have all made the trip, something Lucas knows is not possible for every player’s family.

“I feel honored that my family is here,” he said. “They mean so much to me. Having them close by to do what I do and having their support is so wonderful. They have always supported me in my sport, and I think that makes a huge difference in my life and my career.”

They have been there for a world championship in which Lucas has had plenty to celebrate on the court as well. He scored 17 points against Mexico, including seven blocks and two aces, then contributed 14 points and seven blocks in Brazil’s five-set win over Poland.

The performances have continued a strong period with the national team. Lucas helped Brazil win the U17 South American Championship and was selected to the Dream Team as one of the tournament’s Best Middle Blockers before making the trip to Doha.

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Now his family is watching him wear the Brazilian jersey on the world stage.

“It is such a huge honor to be representing my country in any way, and I’m extremely proud to be wearing Brazil’s jersey in the World Championship here in Doha,” Lucas said. “Wearing this jersey comes with so much responsibility, and it means to me that I have to give the best I possibly can at every single moment.”

The world championship has also put Lucas alongside and across the net from some of the leading young players in the sport. He speaks highly of the opposition he has encountered in Doha and of the talent and preparation within Brazil’s own team.

His place among them has been months in the making.

“Competing against some of the best young players really is an amazing opportunity,” he said. “And this tournament has helped me realize that even though the tournament officially started earlier this week, it actually started months ago at our very first practices. Every second of training and dedication mattered so much.”

That preparation is only one part of Lucas’ development. At club level, he has found another important influence in his coach. Lucas has admired professional athletes, but it is his coach’s example, both as a former player and in the way he conducts himself, that has stayed with him most.

“I would like to let him know that all he has taught me will be part of the way I play,” Lucas said.

Lucas is less certain about exactly where that path will lead, but he is allowing himself to think big.

“I think we always have to dream big. I have to aim for the stars, and I think anything is possible,” he said. “I want to go wherever my career can take me. I’m still too young, so I don’t know what’s going to happen. Hopefully, if everything goes well, I can play professionally.”

Doha has given Lucas the chance to put those lessons into practice against players from around the world, while sharing the experience with his teammates and, this time, with his family there to watch.

He is already thinking about what all of it might mean when he looks back years from now.

“I just really, really hope that in a few years, when I look back at this tournament, I can realize how much this experience made me grow, not only as an athlete, but also as a person outside the court,” he said.

“I really hope that I’m reminded that all the dedication paid off at the end of the tournament, and I would also like this moment to help shape my mindset and the person I become.”

Quick links:
FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship
FIVB Junior World Champs Instagram
Volleyball World YouTube
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Quick links:
FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship
FIVB Junior World Champs Instagram
Volleyball World YouTube
Subscribe to Volleyball World's Newsletter