Class of 2009 graduate and MVHS athlete passes away
David Kucera, MVHS class of 2009 alumnus and tri-sport athlete, died on Jan. 9, according to Loyola Marymount Athletics. He was 19 and a sophomore member of the Loyola Marymount University men’s soccer team.
Kucera was an active member of athletic teams at MVHS. He was a four-year member of varsity soccer, two-year member of varsity volleyball, and was the kicker on the varsity football team his senior year.
“He was such a dedicated person. I remember he’d say that he slept with the ball in his hands every day before spring practice…and by the end of the season, he became a really good receiver. He was really talented, really athletic,” class of 2010 alumnus Kalon Zandbergs, a varsity football teammate during Kucera’s senior year, said.
To Chemistry teacher Mia Onodera, who coached Kucera for two of his four years on the boys varsity soccer team, Kucera was known for his intellect, athleticism, and leadership on and off the field.
“His senior year, he was injured most of the season, but he still took responsibility for the team,” Onodera said. “He sat on the bench and he encouraged people, he attended practice and said a lot great of things… He had everything going for him.”
Kucera attended Cupertino schools and alumni remember him fondly.
“I’ve known David since the first grade, and he has always been passionate about playing sports and doing well in everything he chose to do,” soccer and football teammate class of 2009 alumnus Max Ratkovich said. “I’m very happy that I got the chance to grow up with such a motivated individual, and I will always remember him as both a friend and teammate.”
Autopsy results have not yet been released but Kucera appears to have died from natural causes, according to ESPN.
According to the Loyola Marymount Athletics website, Kucera is survived by his parents, Jan Kucera and Taralee Jolley. Memorial services are pending.
Check back here at elestoque.org on Friday for more information regarding services locally and near LMU.
Last updated at 7:22 p.m. regarding cause of death.
