Joao De Lucca to be Inducted into Louisville’s Athletics Hall of Fame

Courtesy of Louisville Athletics. 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Some of the best student-athletes to represent the University of Louisville are being honored with induction into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame.

The outstanding 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame class includes:

• Lola Arslanbekova, Volleyball (2009-2012)
• Candyce Bingham, Women’s Basketball (2007-2009)
• Nikki Boltja, Lacrosse (2011-2014)
• Joao De Lucca, Men’s Swimming (2011-2014)
• Adam Duvall, Baseball (2009-2010)
• Christine Exeter, Women’s Soccer (2010-2013)
• Stefan LeFors, Football (2000-2004)
• Peyton Siva, Men’s Basketball (2009-2013)
• Russ Smith, Men’s Basketball (2010-2014)
• Alyssa Voelmle, Field Hockey (2011-2014)

The athletic department will also honor long-time football staffer Paul Gering for his contributions to the athletic department.

“This year’s Hall of Fame class is special because each of these Cardinals gave us moments we’ll never forget. Whether it was a championship run, a game-winning play, or the pride of seeing one of our own shine on the biggest stage, they made us cheer, cry, and believe,” Vice-President/Director of Athletics Josh Heird said. “Their passion and commitment embody what it means to wear the Louisville jersey, and they’ve etched their names forever in the hearts of Card Nation. We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate the joy they brought to our fans and community.”

Joao De Lucca, Men’s Swimming (2011-2014)

De Lucca swam for the Cardinals from 2011 to 2014. He was a two-time Olympian, having participated in the 2012 London Games and 2016 Rio Games for his native Brazil. He was a 20-time All-American for the Cardinals. In conference competition, he was a 15-time conference champion and was named Swimmer of the Meet in 2014. In international swimming, he was a bronze medalist at both the Pan Pac Championships and the World Championships, where he won gold as part of a relay. At the Pan American Games, he won three golds in 2015, and in 2019 he won a gold and a silver at the Pan Am Games.

Read more about all inductees here.