From the first moment Lucas Pels stepped onto Chowan University’s campus, it was clear he would leave an impression. Sometimes that impression came poolside, sometimes in the classroom, and sometimes—unforgettably—in a romper while energizing the student section at a volleyball game.

“He stood out immediately,” said Shannon Williams, associate professor of accounting. “He was the life of the student section. It was obvious he had a great sense of humor—something that helped him connect with people in every setting.”

That ability to balance joy with responsibility became a defining characteristic of Pels’ time at Chowan. As a student-athlete, he was known not only for his work ethic in the pool, but for his attentiveness in class and his genuine investment in learning.

“In class, Lucas was always very attentive and willing to put in the work,” Williams said. “I was especially impressed by his eagerness to connect coursework to the real world, particularly in his senior capstone project.”

But Lucas’s impact extended far beyond academics. When Williams recruited him to help with a community Reading Fest, his leadership immediately surfaced.

“He encouraged his teammates and friends to help with posters and games to engage the kids,” she recalled. “His excitement was contagious—and the kids absolutely loved him.”

That blend of leadership, enthusiasm, and care for others followed Lucas long after graduation—and ultimately led him back to where it all began.

A Full-Circle Return

Returning to Chowan as head swim coach marked a new chapter for Pels—one that felt both surreal and familiar.

“Coming back to Chowan as a coach almost felt like I never left,” Pels said. “Having already had the Chowan experience as a student-athlete made it easy to get things going with the team right away.”

Practice began his very first day back on campus, a reflection of both the program’s readiness and Pels’ hands-on leadership style.

For Lucas, returning wasn’t simply a career move—it was the fulfillment of a dream he had carried since his sophomore year.

“I already knew I wanted to coach,” he said. “And I wanted to give other athletes the same opportunity I had here. There’s something special about Chowan—I swear there’s something in the water.”

Learning How to Lead

Lucas credits his time as a Chowan swimmer—and the variety of coaching styles he experienced—with shaping his approach today.

“Swimming has changed a lot over the past decade,” he explained. “Some things that were normal when I was younger aren’t best practice anymore. Being at Chowan taught me how I wanted to coach—and how I didn’t.”

After graduating, Pels returned to his home state of Florida and worked with Planet Swim Club in Ponte Vedra, gaining experience in one of the nation’s most competitive swimming environments. There, he learned that long-term success is driven by culture as much as talent.

That preparation proved critical in 2023, when Pels served as acting head coach for Chowan’s men’s and women’s teams during a mid-season transition. Leading the Hawks at the Conference Carolinas Swim Championship in Tennessee, he guided the teams to multiple podium finishes across both the men’s and women’s events, demonstrating resilience, unity, and belief under pressure.

Building More Than a Team

While competitive success matters, Pels is quick to emphasize that his vision extends far beyond results.

“My biggest goal is to create a healthy environment,” he said. “One where athletes work hard, support each other, and enjoy the process.”

Williams sees that philosophy as an extension of who Lucas has always been.

“He always balanced work with play,” she said. “I think Lucas found a little bit of fun in everything he did—whether in class, in the pool, or around campus.”

That joy, paired with discipline, is what Pels hopes his athletes carry with them beyond Chowan.

“I want them to love what they do—not just swimming, but life,” he said. “To care about others, to get back up when they’re knocked down, and to help lift others up too.”

Confidence from Leadership

Chowan Athletics leadership shares that confidence in Pels’ vision and ability.

“We feel fortunate to have Lucas join the staff officially,” said Patrick Mashuda, Associate Vice President for Athletics and Compliance. “Lucas has a ton of talent as a young coach, and his enthusiasm for the sport is off the charts. I can’t wait to see what Lucas can do with the program that he helped to build as a former CU Hawk swimmer.”

Still Becoming

For Pels, coaching has never been about titles, recognition, or legacy.

“I don’t coach because of money or career building,” he said. “I coach because I love seeing people succeed through hard work and adversity.”

As Chowan swimming moves forward, Lucas Pels stands at the helm not just as a coach, but as a mentor shaped by the same classrooms, community, and culture he now leads.

And in true Lucas fashion, he’s doing it with heart, humility—and just enough fun to make the hard work worthwhile.