Skating Toward Success: Lukas Peterson's Path from Online Student to Division I Athlete

Discover how flexible online learning through Catholic Academy helped Lukas Peterson balance elite junior hockey, earn NCAA eligibility, and achieve his dream of playing Division I hockey at the University of Maine.

Name: Lukas Peterson
Program: Catholic Academy
Home: Maine, USA

For many student-athletes, pursuing a dream at the highest levels of competition means making difficult choices between academics and athletics. For Lukas Peterson, that choice never had to be made.

Today, Lukas is a defenseman at the University of Maine studying business. He appeared in 34 games during his first collegiate season, recording three goals and nine assists while helping one of college hockey's premier programs compete at the highest level. Before stepping onto the ice in Orono, Maine, Lukas spent two seasons with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League (USHL)—one of the top junior hockey leagues in North America.

Chasing a Dream While Staying on Track Academically

Originally from New Jersey, Lukas moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin, during high school to pursue junior hockey. Like many elite hockey players, his daily schedule revolved around practices, workouts, team meetings, travel, and games.

“The junior hockey schedule was different from just playing hockey when you're living at home,” Lukas explained. “You have to be at the rink at probably 9 to 10 in the morning and you're on the ice for about an hour or two and then you have workouts. So, it's not really reasonable to be in a classroom all day long when you have to be on the ice and be with your team.”

As he considered his options, Lukas and his family researched several online learning programs and spoke with other players who had taken a similar path. He ultimately chose Catholic Academy because it offered the flexibility and structure he needed to stay on track academically while fully committing to junior hockey.

“I liked how flexible it was, and there were so many support systems to reach out to,” he said. “I felt like I was never burdened with a lot of schoolwork. I always knew what I had to get done, and they made it easy for me to do it.”

Flexibility That Worked Around an Elite Athlete's Schedule

For junior hockey players, schedules can be unpredictable. Long practices, strength training sessions, and extensive travel often leave little room for traditional classroom attendance.

In the USHL, road trips frequently meant spending eight to ten hours on a bus before arriving in a new city for games. “Those weeks could be really stressful,” Lukas said. “The best thing for me was trying to get my schoolwork done earlier in the week.”

Because of the flexibility of online learning, he could complete assignments between practices, after team activities, or during quiet moments. The ability to work ahead proved especially valuable during travel-heavy stretches of the season.

“I had the opportunity to get an assignment or two ahead of what I had to get done," he said. "I wasn't worrying about it the day of a game or the night after a game.”

Looking back, Lukas believes pursuing his hockey goals would have been significantly more difficult without an online learning model.

Support Beyond the Classroom

While flexibility was essential, Lukas says the support he received from teachers and staff made the biggest difference. When travel schedules conflicted with assignments or tests, help was available.

“If I knew there was a big assignment coming up or a test that I had to do, I could reach out and say, ‘Hey, I'm going to be traveling,’” he recalled. “There were always extensions to be had. Everyone was very supportive and always there for me.”

That accessibility gave him confidence that he could balance academic and athletic demands without sacrificing either. “Whenever I needed help, it was really easy to reach out, and I got quick responses every time.”

 “An Exciting Moment”

Throughout his time in junior hockey, Lukas understood that success on the ice alone wouldn't be enough. Academic eligibility remained a critical part of the journey.

“I always kept in the back of my mind that I have to get this done to be eligible,” he said. “I always wanted to be a good student and have my work done so that I could be eligible.” When his NCAA eligibility was confirmed, it marked more than a checkpoint—it was the culmination of years of discipline in both the classroom and on the ice.

“Catholic Academy helped me out so much with that eligibility piece,” Lukas said. “When that got confirmed and checked off, I was just super grateful. It was an exciting moment.”

That moment opened the door to the next chapter of his journey: competing as a Division I student-athlete and continuing to pursue his goal of playing professional hockey.

Preparing for College Success

Lukas initially wondered what it would feel like to return to a classroom after several years of online learning. “I was going into it like, ‘Wow, I haven't been in a classroom in a while.’”

Those concerns quickly disappeared. “You find ways in online school to really keep yourself motivated and focused. It's an easy transition to being back in school because you're like, ‘Okay, I've seen this material before.’”

Lukas believes online learning helped him develop habits that continue to benefit him as a college student today. “Doing online school helped me find my study personality,” he said. “Now I'm in college, and I know what works for me.”

That preparation extended beyond traditional classroom courses. Lukas completed two online college courses and felt completely comfortable navigating them. “I was very prepared for it.” he said.

The Payoff of Hard Work and Discipline

The habits Lukas developed as an online student—discipline, time management, and personal accountability—continue to serve him well as a Division I student-athlete.

Those accomplishments are the result of years spent learning how to balance competing priorities while staying focused on long-term goals. Reflecting on his journey, he sees a clear connection between the flexibility of online learning with Catholic Academy and his ability to pursue hockey at an elite level.

"If you're really trying to take the next step in the athletic part of your life, you're going to have more time on your hands to really focus on your sport while getting an education at the same time," he said.

The ability to train, travel, and compete without sacrificing academic progress gave Lukas the opportunity to maximize his development both as a student and as an athlete.

Advice for Future Student-Athletes

Lukas encourages younger athletes to build structure early and take ownership of their academic routine. His advice is simple: establish routines, stay focused, and take ownership of your education.

“Find a schedule and stick to it. Find a routine and stick to it,” he said. “You want to find things that are always going to work for you because that's going to benefit you.”

He also encourages families to recognize that online learning can open doors rather than close them. “I've played with many guys that have gone on to Ivy League schools and really good schools with an online education,” he said. “I don't think there's a worry anywhere about having an online education and worrying about getting into a school.”

For Lukas, the experience delivered exactly what he hoped it would: the flexibility to pursue his athletic dreams, the academic preparation to succeed in college, and the support to help him reach his goals.

“This is going to set you up for your future, and it's really going to help you out," he said. "I don't regret it at all.”

As he continues building his career at Maine, Lukas carries with him the lessons he learned as an online student: discipline, independence, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous growth. He is considering studying finance and sports management as part of his college goals.

More Than School: Building Relationships That Last

For Lukas, the experience extended beyond academics and athletics. One of the most meaningful parts of his journey has been the lasting relationships he built along the way.

“I would say if you're really willing to get an education and build relationships further in life, Catholic Education Services is the best program to choose and schooling to choose,” he said. “We're sitting here now, and I finished school two years ago, and we're still in contact and doing an interview and we have a relationship.”

He emphasized that the support didn’t end when coursework was completed.

“If you want to build relationships in your life, this is going to help you do it, and they're always going to be there to help,” he said. “I would just say please choose this if you're thinking of online school. This is going to set you up for your future and it's really going to help you out.”