Lucca Van Der Woude is more than a standout water polo player — he is a product of cultural richness, athletic discipline, and relentless determination. A senior at Newport Harbor High School in Costa Mesa, California, Lucca has carved out a remarkable journey that reflects not only his exceptional talent in the pool but also his commitment to personal growth, community, and long-term goals beyond athletics.
Born to an Argentinian mother and a Dutch father, Lucca’s multicultural upbringing has had a profound influence on the way he approaches life and competition. The fierce passion of Argentina and the structured discipline of the Netherlands both found expression in his character, creating a unique balance of heart and focus. Soccer was the unifying sport in both of his family’s cultures, but at the age of eight, Lucca found his own path in the water — discovering a love for water polo that would soon become his life’s defining passion.
Lucca’s water polo career began with early morning workouts, rigorous training sessions, and years of dedication to mastering the physical and mental demands of the sport. He competed at the highest levels of club water polo, ultimately winning five Junior Olympics national championships across four different age divisions. These formative years laid the foundation for what would become a standout high school career.
After starting high school at a private school in Los Angeles, Lucca made a pivotal decision ahead of his senior year — transferring to Newport Harbor High School, one of the premier water polo programs in the nation. The transition was bold and filled with uncertainty, but it proved to be transformative. Under the leadership of Coach Ross Sinclair, Lucca thrived both in and out of the water, helping lead the team to a 33-1 season record and a #2 national and state ranking. [1][2][3]
Wearing jersey #10, Lucca became a leader on the Newport Harbor Varsity Water Polo team, recognized not just for his skill but for his composure, leadership, and relentless drive. His performance during the 2024 season was nothing short of stellar, culminating in one of the sport’s highest honors—CIF Co-Player of the Year and Orange County Water Polo Player of the Year. He shared the Open Division Co-Player of the Year title with teammate Kai Kaneko, a recognition of his profound impact on a championship-caliber team.
Lucca Van Der Woude’s success didn’t happen by chance — it was the product of years of pushing past physical and mental limits, making sacrifices, and embracing the values of discipline, resilience, and teamwork. Water polo not only sharpened his competitive edge but also reinforced a mindset of adaptability and continuous self-improvement—traits that he now applies to his life beyond the sport.
Outside the pool, Lucca’s identity is equally grounded in compassion and curiosity. A devoted animal lover, he has spent nearly a decade caring for his rescue dog, Luna, and regularly volunteers at local animal shelters. Skiing trips with his family offer a joyful counterbalance to the rigors of competition, reminding him of the importance of presence, play, and connection.
Academically and professionally, Lucca is building toward a future in sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship. With a keen eye for business and a mindset shaped by high-performance sports, he is focused on developing a career that combines strategic thinking with creative communication. He plans to pursue opportunities in the corporate world while also growing his online business ventures and exploring passive income streams through smart investments in the financial markets.
Lucca’s vision for the future is clear: blend the discipline of athletics with entrepreneurial ambition to create a fulfilling and financially sustainable life. Whether it’s leading a marketing team, expanding his digital brand, or navigating the stock market, he approaches each goal with the same commitment that made him a champion in the pool.
As he looks ahead to college and potentially collegiate-level water polo, Lucca brings with him more than a record of wins and accolades — he brings the character of a leader, the humility of a teammate, and the drive of a visionary. His story is not only one of athletic achievement but also of cultural identity, personal transformation, and a steadfast commitment to making a lasting impact — both in the water and far beyond it. Follow Lucca on his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucca.vanderwoude/
