East County Athlete of the Week: Caua Magno de Almeida

Caua Magno de Almeida is determined to make the most of his new life in the United States. Magno de Almeida is a center for the Lakewood Ranch boys basketball team, a defensive end and punter for the Mustangs football team and a goalkeeper for the Lakewood Ranch Chargers. His mom, Ana Paula Magno, who he said is his world, moved him to the area on his 12th birthday as a surprise, and he has embraced his new home. 

When and why did you start playing sports? 

I started playing soccer when I was 2 years old and I started playing basketball and football my sophomore year in high school. Football is a funny story. One of my teachers dared me that I wouldn’t be able to play football. He said, “Soccer players can’t play football,” so I said, “Well, I’m going to prove you wrong.” That’s how I started playing football. For basketball, our team hasn’t been very good the past few years, so I wanted to change the mentality of the team. 

What’s been the most memorable moment for you in each sport?

In football, we played Braden River last year and beat them 41-3. It was the first time we’d beaten them in 13 years. In basketball, it would be against Braden River as well. They were ranked way above us and we had almost no chance, but we beat them 78-67. No one thought we would win. In soccer, we were playing against Orlando City (Academy) and I saved a PK and right after that I made a triple save and won player of the game.

What has a typical day been like for you this summer?

Usually my day is pretty stressful. I wake up at 6 a.m. and go to basketball at 7 a.m., then go to football practice straight after that. After football, I go home to eat and practice (soccer) by myself. From 6-8 p.m. I go to L.A. Fitness and work out.

What do you want to make of your senior season?

I want to make it as fun as I can. I want to try to enjoy myself and not overload myself with school. I want to help lead my team and make a friendly environment for the upcoming freshmen and sophomores.

What’s been your most humbling moment in sports?

In soccer we lost a game 8-0, and I’m a goalkeeper. It was one goal after another after another. I thought I was the best, but that humbled me. Eight goals felt really humbling. 

What’s your favorite meal?

It’s 100 percent sushi. My favorite roll is the California roll. I like to go to a Brazilian sushi house in Tampa that’s all-you-can-eat.

What is your favorite TV show or movie?

My favorite movie is Jurassic Park because of the dinosaurs, I guess. My favorite show growing up was Pokemon, but I don’t watch much TV anymore. I don’t have much time.

What is your go-to warm-up song?

I usually only listen to Brazilian music, but an American one is “Fly Sosa.”

If you’re not playing sports, what are you doing? 

Spending time with my family, and I work as well. I worked at McDonald’s and Pacific Counter at the same time.

Who are your favorite players and why?

For basketball, my GOAT is Rudy Gobert. I play like him. I’m a defender and a rebounder. I can’t really score, so he is my inspiration. For football, it’s Tua Tagovailoa. I’m a Dolphins fan and I think he’s the best quarterback in the NFL right now, but that’s just my opinion. For soccer, it’s Aranha (Mario Lucio Costa Duarte).

Finish this sentence. Caua Magno de Almeida is…

Friendly.