Ricardo Lucien – King of the Courts

Ricardo Lucien, born and raised in Venezuela, has been living in Kansas City for four years. His journey to tennis was born when his basketball coach suggested he give it a try in the off season.

This recreational tennis player has an inspirational and impressive basketball resume to share with us. Lucien's basketball journey is one that he describes as beautiful. It started 12 years ago when he encountered an injury that would add a wheelchair to his life.

“I am a very positive guy that lives life to its fullest and tries to learn a little bit from each situation on a daily basis,” Lucien said. "Sports play a main role in my positivity, mental and physical health."

Lucien moved to the United States on an athletic scholarship to play wheelchair basketball for the University of Texas at Arlington, where he was a team captain and three time All-American. His team even won the National Championship in 2017. He also played for his home country on the Venezuelan National Team.

Lucien currently works as an independent investor. He is a member of the Kansas City Kings, a National Wheelchair Basketball Association Division I team. He also shares his passion coaching the Kansas City Kings Junior Varsity team as head coach. 

After such a clear passion for basketball, why did he decide to try tennis nine years ago?

“I played able bodied tennis and wanted to try every possible sport," Lucien said. "Wheelchair tennis sounded almost impossible to me, so I decided to try it and get decent at it.”

His final advice for others looking to try tennis?

“Stop looking and start playing!”