Loretto, PA -- Paulo Neto, a 12-year collegiate coaching veteran, has been named the head coach of the Saint Francis University men's soccer program.
 
He becomes the seventh coach in program history and comes to Loretto after spending two seasons at Shorter University in Rome, Georgia. At Shorter, he led the team to a No. 7 ranking in the nation at the end of the 2014 season after an NCCAA-I Final Four Appearance. Neto's squad also improved its team GPA from a 2.56 to a 3.3 during his tenure.
 
"We are ecstatic to be able to bring in a man who has experience as a successful head coach," said Kevin Cavooris, assistant director of athletics for compliance and the leader of the men's head soccer coach search committee. "I have no doubt that our student-athletes will rally around his infectious enthusiasm to reach new heights, but the more important factor is that everyone acknowledges how Paulo embodies the ideals of our institution and how that will make him a perfect mentor for young men at Saint Francis University."
 
Prior to his time in Georgia, Neto was the head men's soccer coach at the University of the Cumberlands for six seasons. He left after compiling an overall record of 84-30-9 and finishing four of the seasons ranked in the top-25. He also fundraised two pre-season trips to South America in 2006 and 2009.
 
Neto began his collegiate coaching career at Lincoln Memorial University in 2003 where he was an assistant coach for both the men's and women's soccer programs, as well as the recruiting coordinator.
 
A native of Brazil, Neto also has three seasons of professional coaching experience. He was the head coach of three different teams and most recently led the Knoxville Force in 2014 of the National Premier Soccer League.
 
"I want to thank Mr. Krimmel, Mr. Cavooris, and the entire search committee for giving me the opportunity to serve Saint Francis University as the head men's soccer coach," Neto said. "From my first step on campus, I felt drawn to the university due to the school's commitment to excellence both in academics and athletics, the genuine camaraderie of the people and ultimately the mission of the school.
 
Neto has earned his Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) "A" License along with his United State Soccer Federation (USSF) "A" License, two of the highest soccer licenses one can obtain.
 
He is a 2003 graduate of Union College where he was a triple major in Business Administration, Sports Management, and Physical Education to go along with a minor in Economics.
 
He had a very successful playing career at Union as he graduated as the all-time leading scorer with 69 goals, 50 assists, and 188 points. His team was ranked as high as No. 3 in the nation and No. 1 in the region. Neto also played on a U-21 team a season in Rio de Janeiro and a U-23 team for two seasons in Sorocaba, Brazil. His last playing experience was in 2005 for the Cincinnati Kings in the United Soccer League.
 
"I feel blessed and humbled to take over a program that has just experienced the best season in its history, and I look forward to bringing my knowledge, experience and personality to the program," Neto said. "I'm extremely excited to become part of the Red Flash family."
 
Neto also obtained his Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from Lincoln Memorial University in 2008. He is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
 
Saint Francis opens the 2015 season with an exhibition at Pittsburgh on Aug. 19.