Born into a family rich in Italian heritage, Luca Krasnow's upbringing was a journey woven with the traditions, language, and flavors of Italy. Born and raised in Irvine, California, by a mother fully immersed in her Italian roots, Luca's childhood was infused with the sights and sounds of his Italian homeland.

From the cadence of Italian spoken at home to the savory aroma of homemade pasta from the kitchen, Luca was enveloped from a young age in the sights, sounds, and first-hand feeling of Italy, as he was instilled a deep appreciation for their ancestral roots.

Growing up Italian was truly a blessing for Luca, as he thinks about the countless memories he cherishes from his childhood.

As the son of a mother hailing from seven generations of Roman ancestry, along with an extended family spread out amongst Milan and Sardegna, Luca's connection to Italy ran deep within his veins. From an early age, he was captivated by stories of his family's journey from Italy to America, their struggles and triumphs, and the unwavering pride they held for their heritage. Visits to his relatives throughout his life have provided Luca with a sense of belonging and reinforced the importance of family ties. For Luca it is not just about the language or the food; it's about a sense of belonging and identity that transcends borders.

Luca’s Italian family have resided in Italy as far back as history states, and his immediate family was there until as recently as 1995, when Luca’s Grandmother, Mother and Uncle were the first of his family to make the journey to America, settling in Los Angeles, California.

Luca's immersion in Italian culture was further enriched at age 10 when his family had a  two-year stint living in Sardegna, Italy, where he experienced firsthand the Italian lifestyle. It was during this formative period that Luca became fluent in Italian, forged deep connections with his extended family, and cultivated a profound appreciation of his integral Italian culture. Those two years were pivotal in shaping his identity as he felt a profound connection to Italy and its people, a connection that continues to shape who he is today.

Luca's upbringing was a testament to the enduring power of heritage, family, and the bonds that unite us across continents. As he left his formative years behind and embarked on his adult journey of self-discovery, Luca's Italian heritage served as a guiding light, illuminating his path and instilling in him a deep sense of pride and belonging.

Upon returning to California and completing his education at Northwood High School in Irvine, Luca continued to nurture his passion for soccer, a sport deeply ingrained in Italian culture. From playing with his local clubs to playing in Italy for San Teodoro, Luca's love for the game only grew stronger with time.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Luca persevered, seizing opportunities to play at Irvine Valley College and in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) for Laguna United.

However, Luca's journey extended beyond the soccer field when he discovered Rome City Institute, an Institution that offered him more than just a chance to play. Through an internship opportunity during the club's Summer Experience program, Luca delved into the world of professional soccer, gaining invaluable insights into sports management, a coaching role and the day-to-day operations. Luca claims that his time at Rome City was truly spectacular and that it opened doors and broadened his horizons, laying the foundation for future career aspirations.

After the short-term Summer Experience Internship, Luca felt a stronger connection to his Italian pride than ever before and was determined to keep this path moving forward. He then made a bold decision to return to Rome City Institute for the following Fall ‘23 Semester as a member of the staff and spent an incredible 6 months uncovering every sense of Italian heritage within him.

Luca's time in Italy sparked a passion for exploration and discovery that extends beyond his ancestral homeland. His experiences navigating new environments, adapting to different cultures, and forging meaningful connections have fueled his curiosity about the world at large. Italy ignited a thirst for adventure within Luca, and he finds himself eager to continue exploring new horizons and immersing himself in diverse cultures, all while staying grounded to his Italian roots.

Now, after his spell at Rome City Institute, Luca is finishing his undergraduate education in the United States back home in California as a junior at UC Berkeley majoring in Political Economy. Luca's time in Italy has left an indelible mark on his personal and professional growth. In his time in Rome, Luca strengthened bonds with family and friends, and has found an even greater appreciation for his Italian heritage even more so than before.

As Luca reflects on his journey, he acknowledges the profound impact Italy has had on shaping his worldview. Not only has his Italian immersion deepened his appreciation for his heritage but also broadened his perspective on global citizenship. Living in Italy exposed Luca to diverse perspectives and ways of life. It provided Luca with an additional realization of the importance of embracing cultural differences and fostering connections across borders.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Luca remains actively involved in soccer, both on and off the field. His time with Irvine Valley College and Laguna United has honed his leadership skills and reinforced his passion for the sport. For Luca, it’s not just a game; but a way of life that brings people together.

As Luca continues his academic journey at UC Berkeley and pursues his aspirations in sports management, his Italian heritage remains a guiding force, anchoring him to his roots and fueling his passion for the future. While he is back in his native country, living in Italy again is a dream that Luca hopes to fulfill. His time there has reaffirmed his love for my Italian heritage, and he believes it will always be a time in his life that will stay close to his heart.

Luca's journey offers an honest insight of the transformative power of embracing one's heritage and pursuing one's passions with unwavering determination. From the cobblestone streets of Rome to the beautiful coasts of California, Luca's story is a celebration of identity, resilience, and the enduring connection to our roots that shapes who we are and who we aspire to become.