Radnor’s Nate Lucchesi is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week (Dec. 4-10)

The senior forward/center mid was the Most Valuable Player of a Raptor squad that posted an 18-2-3 record this fall, won the PIAA District 1 3A boys soccer title and advanced to the PIAA 3A state semifinals. Normally a center mid, he was switched to forward as the 2023 season progressed, and scored 15 goals (seven of them in the postseason), dished out 10 assists and received first team All-Central League boys soccer honors. Radnor boys soccer head coach Joe Caruolo said, “Nate’s immediate impact as a forward ignited our attack, showcasing his ability to both calm the game down with his athleticism and create separation for himself with the ball, all while making dangerous runs. Remarkably, this was his first time playing the forward position in his soccer career. His swift adaptation to the role was not only impressive but also a pleasure to observe.”

Q: What do you think was the key(s) to your scoring success this season?

A: I think the keys to my scoring success were mostly set pieces. Most of my goals and assists came from throw in flicks or corner headers. It all depended on our set pieces to deliver a quality ball that gave our team a chance to flick and head it in the net. We practiced this every day and it showed in the game, offensively and defensively.

Q: You are a two-sport athlete (soccer and lacrosse) at Radnor. What advantages do you think being a multi-sport athlete offers, compared to being an athlete who just concentrates on one sport in high school?

A: I think playing multiple sports allows you to see the game from a different angle. It increases your game IQ and competitiveness to a different level.

Q: How did you see your leadership role as a senior starter (and, eventually, the team’s MVP), and how did you try to fill that role?

A: I tried to fill my leadership role by leading by example. We had great leaders on the team this year and each of us had a different role to fulfill.

Q: What aspect of your soccer game did you work on most this season?

A: This season I tried to improve my shooting as I made the switch to forward.

Q: You are also a fine lacrosse player who has committed to the admissions process at the University of Pennsylvania. What has been your favorite experience of your Radnor lacrosse career (to date)?

A: Winning the state championship last season for the three-peat at Penn State has to be the best Radnor lacrosse experience.

Q: Tell us a little about your start in soccer. Who have been your top soccer mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?

A: I’ve played soccer my whole life and it was my main sport up until middle school. My top mentors have to be Joe Caroulo, Nick Lucchesi (my dad), and Alan Mezger.

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.

A: I try to get to the locker room early to lock in mentally and stretch and to physically prepare. I also like to listen to music pregame.

Q: Do you participate in any other extracurricular activities at Radnor other than soccer and lacrosse?

A: Rec Basketball player and coach.

Q: What is your favorite academic course at Radnor? What do you plan to major in at University of Pennsylvania?

A: My favorite academic course at Radnor is math and I plan to major in business.

(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)

To view a gallery of the previous Main Line Boys Athletes of the Week click here