Head Coach Lucas Cordeiro
Email:lcordeir@xula.edu
Phone: 504-520-7362)
A native of Belo Horizonte, Lucas Cordeiro brings extensive playing and coaching experience to Xavier University of Louisiana Men’s Soccer. Before coming to the United States, Cordeiro developed his game in Brazil, competing for several professional youth programs, including America Mineiro, Portuguesa Desportos, Grêmio Barueri, and Grêmio Osasco.
In 2011, Cordeiro moved to the United States to continue his academic and athletic career at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. During his four-year playing career, he established himself as one of the top players in the NAIA, earning First Team All-American honors in both 2013 and 2014. He finished his collegiate career with 49 goals and 51 assists, helping lead Oklahoma Wesleyan to national prominence.
Following graduation, Cordeiro signed his first professional contract in 2015 with Tulsa Roughnecks FC, competing professionally in the United States.
Cordeiro joined Xavier University of Louisiana as an assistant coach during the program’s inaugural seasons in 2023 and 2024, helping lay the foundation for the young program’s growth and success. He was promoted to head coach in 2025 and immediately led the Gold Rush to a historic season. In his first year at the helm, Xavier captured its first-ever Red River Athletic Conference Championship, earned the program’s first NAIA Top 25 national ranking, and advanced to the second round of the NAIA National Championship Tournament for the first time in school history.
As head coach, Cordeiro continues to build a culture centered on excellence in competition, academics, and character development while positioning Xavier Men’s Soccer among the top programs in the NAIA.
Will Rodrigues, Assistant Coach
Email: wrodrigu@xula.edu
Phone: 606-622-7682
Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, William moved to the United States in 2018. He began his academic journey at Northeast Texas Community College before transferring to Oklahoma Wesleyan University, where he earned a degree in Marketing. William remained at Oklahoma Wesleyan for two additional years as a graduate assistant while completing an MBA in Business Analytics. Since fall 2025, Will has served as Assistant Coach at Xavier University of Louisiana.
Michael White, Graduate Assistant
Email: mwhite38@xula.edu
Originally from London, England, ‘Big Mike’ serves as our goalkeeper coach with collegiate, national tournament, and USL League Two playing experience. Former All-Region goalkeeper and holder of the United Soccer Coaches Level 2 Goalkeeping Diploma. Currently serving as Director of High-Performance Goalkeepers for Louisiana Fire ECNL and goalkeeper coach for Dothan United, a semi-pro USL2 team.
Julio Gruba, Student Assistant
Email: jgruba@xula.edu
A native of Curitiba, Júlio Gruba serves as a Graduate Assistant Coach for the Xavier University of Louisiana men’s soccer program. A former defensive midfielder, Gruba played in Brazil, Italy, Poland, and Spain before continuing his academic and athletic career in the United States. He earned a degree in Business Administration and is an alumnus of both Pearl River Community College and Xavier University of Louisiana.
