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Why did you choose to attend Delta State?
I was the top high school kicker in Texas back in 2005, earning scholarship offers from multiple universities across the state. Football – yes, American football – was my passion, and it opened doors to an exciting future.
Despite the opportunities, I made the personal decision to return to Brazil for a time. But the dream never left me. In 2007, I flew back to the U.S. and chose to attend Delta State University, where I joined the football team and continued pursuing both my athletic and academic goals.
What have you been doing since you graduated from DSU?
After graduating from Delta State University, I returned to Brazil and was invited to join Luan Promoções, one of the most influential music agencies in the country. My journey there began in 2013 with a major challenge: working on a potential Rolling Stones tour in Brazil. Although the tour didn’t materialize in the end, that experience opened the door to a major opportunity during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. I was selected by the U.S. Soccer Federation to support and coordinate pre-match rallies and family dinners for the U.S. players and their families—a unique role that combined logistics, hospitality, and high-profile event management.
Following that milestone, I became involved in managing the international career of Wesley Safadão, one of Brazil’s biggest music icons. I led the production and development efforts for his first international DVD, recorded in Miami Beach, and was responsible for organizing tours across the U.S. and Europe. As Head Producer and Project Developer, I oversaw all facets of planning and execution, helping elevate his brand on a global scale.
After three years of successful international tours, we took a bold step and launched the Wesley Safadão Cruise, a four-day festival-at-sea that became one of the most iconic entertainment events in Brazil—holding its title as the top music cruise experience in the country for over five years.
With over a decade of experience in the music and live entertainment industry, I was invited to make a major career pivot—this time into the lottery and capitalization market. I joined Grupo da Sorte, the largest lottery and prize distribution group in Brazil, as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Bet dá Sorte, their fast-growing betting and gaming platform.
How did DSU prepare you for what you're doing now?
The decision to leave my family, the beach, and my friends back in Brazil wasn’t easy—but it was one of the most transformative choices of my life. It pushed me to grow, become more independent, and embrace new challenges as an international student-athlete in a completely different culture. My time at DSU was not just about academics or sports—it was about maturity, resilience, and building lifelong values.
I was fortunate to have the guidance and support of some incredible mentors during my five years at Delta State: Coach Randy Grierson, Dr. Wayne Blansett, Coach Ron Roberts, and Coach Jim Allen. [Note: Santos played football for three years, as well as tennis and soccer for two years each at DSU.]
Each of them made a lasting impact on my journey, and I carry their lessons and influence with me to this day. DSU was more than a university—it was a defining chapter in my personal and professional growth.
What’s a favorite DSU memory?
One of the most unforgettable moments of my time at Delta State was in 2008, when I kicked the game-winning field goal in double overtime against Valdosta State, who were ranked #1 in the nation at the time. It was a high-pressure moment—everything on the line—and delivering that victory for our team is a memory I’ll always carry with pride.
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