Virginia Commonwealth University

A former VCU standout, Lucas Paulini finished his fifth season as an Assistant Coach for the Rams in 2023. VCU has compiled a 30-32-18 record in that time, with a 21-8-9 mark in Atlantic 10 play.

During the 2023 season, Paulini helped coach the Rams to the 2023 Atlantic 10 Regular Season title and Andrey Salmeron was named A-10 Rookie of the Year.

In 2021, VCU received votes in the United Soccer Coaches poll for 11 straight weeks, and reached as high as No. 12 in the rankings. The Rams recorded three wins over ranked teams, and Celio Pompeu earned A-10 Midfielder of the Year honors.

Before returning to Richmond, Paulini spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Houston Baptist Univeristy. While with the Huskies, Paulini helped guide the program to 17 wins. 

Prior to joining HBU, Paulini spent two seasons at Virginia Commonwealth University as the Director of Operations where he assisted in planning and conducting daily training sessions, film breakdown and scouting report development.

Paulini, who was the first Ram to sign a professional contract under head coach Dave Giffard, signed with the Atlanta Silverbacks in 2011, making his debut on April 9 against NSC Minnesota Stars. He played four seasons in Atlanta. After just one season with VCU, Paulini earned CAA All-First Team honors. He also earned All-Region recognition in each of his four collegiate seasons, after being a three-time honoree at Tusculum College.