For Lucas Miranda, football started far from the traditional centers of the game.
Growing up in Isabela, Puerto Rico, he developed his passion for football in an environment where the sport was still finding its place.
“There wasn’t a very strong football culture at the time, especially technically and tactically,” Lucas explains. “But football taught me heart, resilience, and the importance of never giving up.”
That mentality would eventually take him far beyond the island he called home.
Today, after developing at IDA Valencia, Lucas is officially committed to South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (NCAA Division II) – a step that represents years of sacrifice, growth, and belief in his pathway.
Before joining IDA, Lucas already had his eyes on college soccer in the United States.
But instead of rushing directly into the next step, he chose something more difficult:
development first.
“At first, I was completely set on going directly to college,” he says.
That changed after meeting Jordi Gómez – IDA Valencia’s CEO, during a showcase event.
“He approached me with an opportunity that I simply could not turn down. It gave me the chance to continue pursuing my dream while still developing in a highly competitive football environment.”
That decision brought Lucas to Valencia – and immediately exposed him to a completely different level of football.
The adjustment wasn’t easy.
“The first thing I noticed was the speed and quality of the game,” Lucas says. “Teams played much faster and more collectively compared to what I was used to.”
But beyond the pace, what stood out most was the technical quality of the players around him.
“You could truly feel the passion and love for football everywhere.”
As a naturally athletic player, Lucas quickly realized that physical ability alone would not be enough in Spain.
“The biggest challenge for me was adapting to the technical and tactical side of the game because those were the weakest parts of my game when I first arrived.”
Playing faster, thinking quicker, and making decisions under pressure became daily demands.
And over time, those demands transformed him.
“By the time I left, I felt like a much more complete player and a smarter footballer overall.”
For Lucas, one of the most impactful parts of the IDA experience was the exposure to professional environments and the people who helped guide him through the process.
Having trial opportunities with clubs such as CD Castellón, Real Murcia CF, and La Vall A gave him perspective on how close – and how far – he was from the next level.
“Those experiences showed me that I was not far from achieving my dream,” he says. “They helped me understand exactly what I needed to improve.”
He also credits several coaches at IDA for helping shape his journey.
“Coaches like Adrián Pinazo, Carles Coto, and Javier Penadés were key figures in helping unlock my potential and motivating me throughout my journey.”
Like many players who leave home young, Lucas’ development extended beyond the pitch.
Living abroad forced him to mature quickly.
“I became much more independent and learned how to take care of myself,” he says. “From cooking and grocery shopping to handling responsibilities on my own.”
Being away from Puerto Rico taught him discipline – not only as a player, but as a person.
And that growth would soon prepare him for the next chapter.
The opportunity to play college soccer became real earlier this year, when conversations with college coaches began to accelerate.
Through the recruitment process, Lucas found a strong fit at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, where coaches were drawn to his aggressive, technical, and fast style of play as a winger.
He ultimately received a scholarship offer – something that played a major role in his decision.
“I chose this university because it offers a great balance academically and athletically,” he says. “In college, you are a student-athlete, not just an athlete.”
Now, he’s preparing to join the South Dakota Mines Hardrockers with clear objectives in mind.
“I’m excited to finally accomplish not only my goals, but also my dreams.”
Looking back, Lucas sees his time at IDA as a defining period in his development.
“My time at IDA was crucial for both my development as a player and my growth as a person.”
The experience sharpened his technical and tactical understanding, exposed him to higher standards, and helped prepare him for life beyond football.
And for players considering a similar pathway, his message is simple:
“Go for it and never get discouraged.”
“There will always be talented players around you, but hard work will always separate those who truly want it.”
Lucas Miranda’s journey is a reminder that talent alone rarely defines a pathway.
Development does.
Environment does.
Mentality does.
From Puerto Rico to Spain, and now to NCAA soccer in the United States, his story reflects what can happen when players are willing to embrace discomfort, commit to growth, and continue chasing more.
And for Lucas, the journey is only beginning.
Whether your goal is college soccer, professional opportunities, or simply reaching a higher level of the game, IDA provides players with the environment, exposure, and daily development needed to grow.
From short-term experiences to full-time residency pathways, players from around the world continue to use IDA as a platform to push themselves further – on and off the field.
Still have questions? Want to learn more? Fill out the form below to connect with an IDA representative. We look forward to hearing from you!