Those three words have stayed with Lucas Lesko throughout his soccer journey. They sound like something shouted from the sideline, but for Lucas, they represent something greater: keep working, keep fighting and keep moving forward.

Last season, we introduced Lucas in a player spotlight. Now, #33 is entering the final chapter of his four years with Greater Latrobe Boys Soccer—and the road that brought him here has demanded plenty of perseverance.

Choosing to Keep Going

Lucas has played soccer for six years, including four seasons as a Wildcat. His journey has included memorable victories and proud accomplishments, but it has also included injuries that repeatedly tested his patience and determination.

When asked about his personal goal for senior year, Lucas gave a refreshingly honest answer:

There is humor in the response, but there is also a great deal of history behind it. Lucas credits his parents, Melissa and Mike, with continuing to push and encourage him through every injury. Their support helped him keep going during the moments when soccer—and the work required to return to it—felt especially difficult.

Those experiences shaped the most important lesson Lucas has learned from the game:

Lucas has done exactly that. Each setback required another return, another stretch of work and another decision not to quit.

The Responsibility of a Senior

Lucas begins this season carrying a greater sense of responsibility for the teammates coming behind him. To Lucas, being a senior means being someone others can follow.

His advice to younger Wildcats reflects that same priority: be a good role model.

Leadership does not always have to be loud. Sometimes it is found in the player who keeps showing up, continues working through adversity and understands that younger teammates are paying attention.

Faith is also part of how Lucas prepares. Before every game, he prays—a quiet moment that helps ground him before the competition begins.

Memories Worth Carrying Forward

There have been plenty of soccer moments worth remembering along the way. Lucas still points to Greater Latrobe’s section championship during his sophomore year as his favorite memory. His most memorable game came even earlier, when the Wildcats defeated McKeesport 15–0 during his freshman season.

Now, he is looking ahead. The Penn-Trafford matchup is the game he is most excited to play this season, and his hope for this Wildcat team is clear: reach the playoffs.

Always in His Corner

Wherever Lucas’s next chapter leads, he will take with him the resilience developed through every return to the field, the responsibility he has embraced as a senior and the support of the people who helped him reach this moment.

Lucas especially wants to thank his parents and grandparents for always supporting him at his games. Their presence has been one of the constants throughout a journey that has not always been easy.

From his earliest days with a ball at his feet to his senior season in #33, Lucas has continued moving forward.