Mr. Paulo Neto
Head Coach – Men’s Soccer
Last Updated 5-8-08

Paulo Neto is entering his fourth season as the Patriots head men’s soccer coach. He led the Patriots last season to a 12-8-1 record, having played the #1 schedule in the nation. The Patriots made the regional finals for the second consecutive year. Neto joined the Patriot staff after being assistant coach for the men and women’s soccer teams at Lincoln Memorial University.

Neto hails from Sorocoba, Brazil and was a 2003 graduate of Union College with triple majors in Business Administration, Physical Education, and Sports Management. He earned a masters degree in Business Administration from Lincoln Memorial University in May of 2008.

Before coming to the United States, Neto played in the U-System of some of the best clubs in the world including Fluminense FC and SC Corinthians. He also was pre-selected to the U-17 Brazilian National Team. In the USA, Neto played at nearby Union College and served as team captain from 2000 to 2002. In addition to being named team captain, Neto was a four-year starter earning All-Conference honors each season including Conference Player of the Year his final season. His various other achievements include being named All-Region in 2000, 2001 and 2002, and All-American Honorable Mention in the same years. Neto was an exemplary student-athlete and was recognized twice as an NAIA All-American Scholar. He was also named the recipient of the A.O. Duer Award for the Mid-South Conference.

Neto works with the Olympic Development Program as a head coach in the state of Kentucky, and is a staff coach with the ODP Region II. Additionally, Neto serves as the director of training with Kentucky Rush Soccer Club. Coach Neto also runs the Brazilian Way Soccer Camps throughout the state of Kentucky in the summer time.

Neto holds a "B" coaching license from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

Neto and his wife Maria have three sons, Tulio who is eleven, Lucas who is ten, and Gabriel who is three.

Mr. Gary Rach
Assistant Men's Soccer Coach

Coach Gary Rach is in his first season with the Patriots, having coached two years as an assistant for Patriot Ladies. He came to the University of the Cumberlands with an extensive background in soccer. His involvement in the game started as a player and evolved into coaching. He has coached at all levels; Recreational, Club Premiere, High School and College. Coach Rach’s 16 years coaching experience began in 1990 in Brandon, Florida. His tenure in the Tampa Bay area included training players and coaching teams in various clubs and organizations. He also trained Brandon High School for 7 years accomplishing 6 district titles, a Western Conference Championship, and a State Championship. At the University of Tampa, he was the Assistant Coach and Goalkeeper Trainer. He has held positions as Director of Goalkeeping at the Lakeland Lazer Soccer Club and the Tampa Knights. Before leaving Tampa for the University of the Cumberlands, he was a Club Team Trainer and Goalkeeper Trainer for BAYSL(Brandon Flames). He brought with him a history of success and accomplishments including 9 Final Four Appearances, 3 state championships, 27 tournament championships and 19 tournament Finalists or Semifinalist. He only has one losing season as head coach or trainer.

His philosophies and beliefs are in developing players into leaders on and off the field and Instilling desire, passion and a strong work ethic, to achieve success in all phases of life. He helps teach players how to strive for excellence.