Graduate Student Spotlight | Lucas Sasaki

"Hood’s supportive environment stood out—professors and staff alike made every effort to ensure I was learning valuable professional skills. The support I received was much needed and appreciated given my background was far distant from what I was learning."

Lucas Sasaki, M.S.'24

Program

Management Information Systems (M.S.)

Department

Computer Science & Information Technology

Graduate School
Graduate Student

Alumni
Athletics
Computer Science & Information Technology Graduate Programs
Computer Sciences
Graduate School
Graduate Student

01/06/2025

Lucas Sasaki, M.S.’24, is a recent graduate from Hood College’s management information systems M.S. program. Originally from Brazil, Sasaki has been studying in the United States since 2017. He earned his bachelor's in agricultural sciences from Emmanuel University. During his time at Hood, Sasaki was a graduate assistant coach for the Blazers tennis program. We spoke with Sasaki about his time in the MIS program and what it was like to balance his role as a coach and full-time student.

Can you tell us about your educational and career background?

I am a proud Hood College graduate with a master’s in management information systems (MIS) and a certificate in project management. Originally from Brazil, I came to the U.S. in 2017 to live my dream of studying at an American university. I pursued my undergraduate studies at Emmanuel University, a Christian school in northern Georgia, where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture science while representing my school in the sport I love: tennis.

What inspired you to choose Hood College and your current program?

After graduating and gaining professional experience in the agricultural industry, it was a no-brainer for me that I wanted to get a master’s degree and shift my education to a field centered in business and technology, so MIS checked all the boxes.

Hood College quickly became one of my top choices outside of Georgia due to its strategic location near D.C. and its small college setting in a tranquil city. Additionally, the offer of a tennis GA position was a decisive factor, as it would offset many of my education and living costs. Staying involved with tennis also presented an opportunity to give back and share the experiences I had as a college student-athlete.

After many applications and much waiting, I was thrilled to be accepted both academically and even more so as the new tennis graduate assistant (GA) in fall 2022. Moving to Frederick was a fresh start—exciting but unfamiliar. Far away from what I considered home, I slowly grew to appreciate both Hood College and the Frederick community.

What do you enjoy most about being at Hood College?

From the beginning, my time as a graduate student at Hood was filled with growth and challenges. Academically, the diversity in the classroom and the critical thinking required in my coursework provided exactly the challenge I was looking for. Hood’s supportive environment stood out—professors and staff alike made every effort to ensure I was learning valuable professional skills. The support I received was much needed and appreciated given my background was far distant from what I was learning.

In my final semester, with just one class left to complete, I realized I had time to explore professional opportunities. Driven by a desire to expand my horizons, I reached out to Hood’s IT staff, offering to volunteer as an intern. Charles Ali kindly welcomed me onto the IT apps team, where I spent three enriching months learning the intricacies of Hood’s virtual systems and contributing to a major project designed to benefit staff across campus. This hands-on experience provided invaluable insight into the world of IT and affirmed my decision to pivot into this field.

What was your experience like coaching for the tennis team and being a full-time student?

As a graduate assistant for the tennis program, I quickly transitioned from assisting to leading the team on my very first day in the office. This role became one of the defining highlights of my time at Hood. Balancing the demands of being a full-time graduate student with managing the tennis program was no small task, but I saw it as an opportunity and a challenge I embraced wholeheartedly.

For me, collegiate sports are about more than just the competition—they’re also about camaraderie, personal growth and creating lifelong memories alongside your teammates. This is a privilege that few can truly experience.

Now as a coach, I made it my mission to establish a strong team culture, striving to give my players the same memorable experiences I cherished as a college athlete. Looking back, I’m proud of what we built together and the lessons we shared along the way. I wanted to give a special thanks to my AD, Susan Kolb, and the athletics department for giving me all the support I needed during this unique experience.

How has Hood College helped—or how do you think it will help—in your career and life?

Although my time at Hood College was short, the impact it had on me is profound. Hood College offered me not just academic growth, but also a chance to reinvent myself, form lasting connections and gain new perspectives on life.

I am deeply grateful for the incredible people I met, the opportunities I was given and the sense of community that Hood embodies. This chapter has prepared me for the next phase of my life, and I carry forward the lessons, friendships and memories I made here.

Inspired by Lucas’ story? Ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn more about Hood College’s graduate programs, such as our master’s in management information systems, by clicking here.