LUCAS SALLES-CUNHA
Director Of Community Programs, Swimming And Performance
Watsonville,CA
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record in entrepreneurial ventures and strategic initiatives, leveraging innovative thinking and strong business acumen to drive success. Committed to community service and empowering athletes to reach their full potential, focusing on expanding swimming access and performance locally in Santa Cruz County and globally. Successfully led groundbreaking programs that integrate athletic excellence with social impact, positively impacting over 500 underrepresented swimmers through strategic partnerships with local schools, municipalities, and community organizations. Passionate about building cohesive teams and fostering growth in diverse environments.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Founder & President
SC Swimming, CAFL, Inc.
10.2017 - Current
- Directly coached two female 2021 Olympic Trials qualifiers
- On the coaching staff of Quicksilver's 2025 USA Swimming Mens Jr. National West winning team
- Coaching Staff for Mens 15-18 National Record in the 200 freestyle relay
- Facilitated the first Hispanic/Latino Heritage swim meet in the Bay Area
- Received Multiple USA Swimming Community Impact Grants
- Collaborated on multiple grants with the United Way and other organizations to provide swim lessons
- Designed and led community swimming programs reaching over 500 youth from underrepresented populations in Watsonville and South County.
- 80% of participants from my group go on to swim in College. 50% have gone Division 1
- Helped Quicksilver Swimming reach Silver and Bronze medal team status within USA Swimming
- Part of a coaching family that has taught two Olympic gold medalists (Ryan Murphy and Anthony Irvin)
- Developed multiple Jr. National Finalists
- Coached a 15-16 National Record Holder (Relay)
- Coached Multiple Far Wester Champions from age 10 to 17
- Built strategic partnerships with municipal agencies and schools, including the City of Watsonville, PVUSD, and Santa Cruz County Parks.
- Established and scaled a regional USA Swimming club location focused on equitable access and competitive excellence, growing annual revenue from $30K to $770K.
- Recruited, trained, and mentored a staff of 20+, fostering collaboration, empathy, and professional growth.
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Established a successful business by identifying market needs and developing innovative solutions.
- Build lasting relationships with team families
Co-Founder & President
Rise Collective
04.2024 - Current
- Co-founded a social fitness and wellness collective combining advanced recovery modalities with community engagement and education.
- Grew revenue from $0 to $20,000 a month within one year.
- Launched events, health initiatives, and partnerships that unite athletic performance with community connection.
- Developed programming integrating cryotherapy, red-light therapy, and aquatic recovery to support athlete health and wellbeing.
- Facilitated community health programs for Seniors.
- Grew the customer base from 0 to 175 members through targeted outreach and networking events.
- Streamlined operational processes for improved efficiency and cost reduction.
- Oversaw talent acquisition efforts, building a diverse team of skilled professionals who contributed significantly to the company's success.
Head Masters & Age Group Coach
Quicksilver Swimming
10.2010 - 10.2017
- Built a new masters program from nothing to seventy five members.
- Created and coaches an elite program for ten and under swimmers, setting the foundation for high performance on Quicksilver Swimming.
- Managed administrative tasks such as maintaining records of swimmer performance, attendance, and progress toward goals.
- Coached age group and masters swimmers to regional and national recognition, including multiple Far Western champions and Pacific Swimming Records.
- Developed Individualized Training Plans Emphasizing progressive Skill Development and performance at championship meets.
Operations Manager - Insurance
Sage Mason Insurance, Sequoia Insurance, Philadelphia Insurance
04.2003 - 10.2013
- Gained expertise in multi million dollar financial operations, team leadership, and client relationship management.
- Held progressive leadership positions in the insurance industry, including ownership of Sage Mason Insurance and regional management with Sequoia Insurance and Philadelphia Insurance.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
Education
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION (ED.D.) - KINESIOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO
Greensboro, NC05.2025
Master of Science - RECREATION AND SPORT SCIENCE
OHIO UNIVERSITY
Athens 05.2001 -
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.) - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
San Diego, CA12-2002
Skills
Problem-solving
Elite coaching
Business development
Setting high expectations with empathy
Decision-making
Partnership cultivation and development
Strategic partnerships
Customer relations
Team building
Strategic visioning
Innovation skills
Key Note Speaker: UNION INTERNATIONALE DE PENTATHLON MODERNE
Presented on:
Growth communication and feedback: Driving performance through connection
and clarity
Accomplishments
- 2025, Equity Swim Program Golden Bell Award Winner
- 2024, USA Swimming Diversity Equity and Inclusion Panelist
- 2023, American Swim Coaches Association Impact Coach of the Year Nominee
- 2020-2025, USA Swimming Grant Recipient
- Understanding Water Initiative Raising Funds for Swimming in Under Represented Communities
- 2016, Nominated for Pacific Swimming Age Group Coach of the Year
- 2017, Nominated for Pacific Swimming Age Group Coach of the Year
- American Swim Coaches Age Group Coach of the Year Nominee
- Created a positive swimming cycle model derived from research
Certification
USA Swimming Certified Coach
Timeline
Co-Founder & President
Rise Collective
04.2024 - Current
Founder & President
SC Swimming, CAFL, Inc.
10.2017 - Current
Head Masters & Age Group Coach
Quicksilver Swimming
10.2010 - 10.2017
Operations Manager - Insurance
Sage Mason Insurance, Sequoia Insurance, Philadelphia Insurance
04.2003 - 10.2013
Master of Science - RECREATION AND SPORT SCIENCE
OHIO UNIVERSITY
05.2001 -
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION (ED.D.) - KINESIOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.) - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY