There is tough. Then, there is Luie Gomes tough. Affectionately known as "Sweet Lu" or "Coach Lu" to the Springfield College community and beyond, he has inspired and impacted many through his "Never Give Up" mantra that he models daily. Gomes's relationship with wrestling began at a young age, and it's grown stronger ever since. The Connecticut native was a member of the Pride's Wrestling team while on Alden Street and earned a bachelor's in Health Education in 2018 and master's in Public Health Education and Promotion in 2020.
Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy since birth, Gomes has never let his disability define him or prevent him from fulfilling his growth potential. At an early age, doctors told Gomes he would never walk. Today, you can count on seeing Gomes living an active lifestyle that includes wrestling, lifting, hiking, and injecting inspiration in others with his "Never Give Up" mantra.
An example of courage and resiliency, Lu's impactful presence on Alden Street was recognized by President, Dr. Mary Booth Cooper visiting Gomes at his Connecticut home to deliver him a rightfully earned banner with his "Never Give Up" mantra printed in bold for the world to see.
Now, Gomes is a sought out motivational speaker, educator, and hopes to publish a book on his journey and message.
If you want to connect with Sweet Lu, you can connect with him on Instagram & Twitter: @sweetlu1117
Email: lgomes2@springfieldcollege.edu | Personal: luiegomes@yahoo.com
Episode breakdown:
0:15: Introduction
3:20: Overcoming the challenges of Cerebral Palsy and walking
6:00: The power of gratitude
8:50: Speaking to teams about "Never Give Up"
12:25: Trip to the B1G Ten Championships at Rutgers and meeting Wisconsin Head Coach, Chris Bono
21:40: The speech before the 2020 NCAA DIII Northeast Regional Championships
25:50: Favorite Springfield College Wrestling Moment
28:45: Impact that "Never Give Up" had on Springfield College
36:50: Relationship with professional UFC fighter, Nick Newell
41:45: Overtime
