Lucas’ love for performing began with her first audition in 2nd grade. Despite being a “crying, nervous wreck,” the experience ignited a passion within her that she couldn’t resist. Being on stage offered an outlet for her and she found that her confidence on stage outshone her confidence in real life. The friendships she formed during those years kept her coming back and held a special place in her heart. The memories of tech weeks, late nights, and Steak ‘n Shake still make her smile.

Music has always been a significant part of Lucas’ life, but it was her experience in CTE that helped her become the confident, comfortable person she is today. Without the lessons she learned on stage, she doubts whether she would have been able to achieve her goals as Head Coach. The journey has had its ups and downs, but Lucas has kept the lessons learned from CTE close to her heart as she navigates each challenge.

Despite her success as a coach, Lucas’ favorite moments were during her time on stage as The Little Mermaid and Frenchy from Grease. Those roles allowed her to delve deeply into new characters and continually use her imagination. While playing different roles came naturally, playing herself was the ultimate challenge and her greatest achievement. It’s a skill that she learned from years of performing, and one that she still carries with her.

Looking back on her time at CTE, Lucas is grateful for the opportunities that were given to her. She’s thankful for the friends she made and the memories she created. She knows that without CTE, her childhood and teenage years would not have been the same. As she continues her journey as Head Coach, she carries the lessons learned from CTE with her and hopes to instill the same qualities in the young athletes she trains.