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HEAD COACH | Thiago Pinto

 

EDUCATION

  • Bethel University – Master of Arts: Theological Studies (2011)
  • Bethel University – Master of Ministry (2007)
  • Bethel University – Bachelor of Liberal Arts: Business, Sports Management, Ministries (2005)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • South Bend Lions Football Club, Technical Director (2019-present)
  • Bethel University, Men’s Soccer Head Coach (2009-present)
  • Holy Cross College (Ind.), Men’s Soccer Head Coach (2008)

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

  • US Soccer National A Senior Coaching License
  • Brazilian Football Association “A” License

CAREER COACHING RECORD

Year Program Overall League Postseason
2023 Bethel 18-3-2 7-0-2 (1st) NAIA Quarter-final
2022 Bethel 24-1-1 9-0-0 (1st) NAIA Champions
2021 Bethel 16-5-2 7-1-1 (1st) NAIA Second Round
2020 Bethel 13-6-1 6-1-1 (1st) NAIA Opening Round
2019 Bethel 10-8-1 6-3-0 (3rd) CL SF
2018 Bethel 14-9-1 4-5-0 (3rd) NCCAA Final
2017 Bethel 12-7-3 4-3-2 (5th) NCCAA Pool
2016 Bethel 13-8-3 6-2-1 (1st) NCCAA SF
2015 Bethel 13-7-3 5-3-1 (4th) NCCAA Final
2014 Bethel 11-10-1 4-5-0 (7th) NCCAA Final
2013 Bethel 7-10-2 4-3-2 (4th) --
2012 Bethel 9-8-4     2-4-3 (7th) NCCAA QF
2011 Bethel 12-6-1 7-2-0 (2nd) NCCAA NC Region
2010 Bethel 14-8-0 8-0-0 (1st) NAIA R1
2009 Bethel 18-1-1 8-0-0 (1st) NAIA R1
Totals 12 seasons 146-88-21 66-31-10 --
2008 Holy Cross 7-10-1 -- --
Totals 1 season 7-10-1 -- --
Overall 13 Seasons     153-98-22 66-31-10 11 appearances

    
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

  • Bethel University (as a coach)
    • 2022 NAIA National Championship
    • Crossroads League Regular Season Champions (2009, 2010, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
    • Crossroads League Tournament Champions (2009, 2010, 2021, 2022, 2023)
    • NAIA National Coach of the Year (2022)
    • NCCAA National Coach of the Year (2015)
    • NISOA Frank Jewell Award winner (2017)
    • Crossroads League Coach of the Year (2009, 2010, 2016, 2021, 2022, 2023)
    • NCCAA North Central Region Coach of the Year (2015, 2017, 2020)
    • 16 NAIA All-Americans, 32 NCCAA All-Americans, and 62 Crossroads League All-Conference players
    • 4 NAIA, 13 NCCAA, and 35 Crossroads League Athletes of the Week
    • 33 NAIA and 47 NCCAA Scholar Athletes, and 39 Crossroads League Academic All-Conference selections
    • 1 NCCAA National Player of the Year, 2 NCCAA Kyle Rote, Jr. Award winners
    • 3 Crossroads League Players of the Year, 4 Crossroads League Offensive Players of the Year, 1 Crossroads League Midfield Player of the Year, 1 Crossroads League Defensive Player of the Year
    • 1 NCCAA National Tournament MVP, 14 NCCAA All-Tournament Team selections
    • 2 NCCAA North Central Region Player of the Year, 35 NCCAA North Central All-Region Selections
    • 5 NAIA Scholar Team honors
    • 4 Ron Paulsen Award winners
  • Holy Cross College
    • 2 Association of Independent Institutions (AII) All-Conference selections
  • Bethel University (as a player)
    • NCCAA Scholar Athlete (2005)

COACHING PHILOSOPHY / WHY DO YOU COACH?

"I value a style of play that is an expansive attacking brand of football with meaningful possession. In developing players,I aim to develop players who are technical, intelligent, and responsible on the field. Most importantly, he is passionate about the transformation of people into champions who glorify God through excellence in how they play, serve, embrace diversity, and celebrate. Developing and equipping servant leaders to transformational leaders in whatever career they pursue is a huge core of my mission."

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Thiago, and his wife, Kristie, live in Mishawaka. He is originally from Belo Horizonte, Brazil.