Mario Pinto has been elevated to Assistant Coach for the Brevard College Men's Soccer program, announced BC Head Men's Soccer Coach Helio "L" D'Anna.
"Mario is the perfect fit for this new role for him at Brevard College," said D'Anna. "His phenomenal history as a player and his short but impactful history at BC will bring a lot to our program. The players will benefit in all aspects and the Tornado family welcomes this great addition."
Pinto, a native of Uberlandia, Brazil and a former student-athlete under the guidance of Coach D'Anna at Lincoln Memorial University, is currently pursuing his Master's degree in the new Health and Human Performance graduate program at Brevard College. He spent this last season as a Volunteer Assistant Coach for the BC Men's Soccer program where he helped lead the Tornados to wins in four of their last five games and a postseason appearance in the USA South Conference tournament.
At Lincoln Memorial, Pinto was one of the top forwards in the nation earning NCAA Division II First-Team All-America honors. In just three seasons at Lincoln Memorial (2011-13), Pinto broke the program's career record for goals scored with 49, while also finishing second in program history in total points with 112. Pinto is tied for the all-time LMU record in game-winning goals with 13, while his 251 shots is the highest total in program history. His career stat ledger also includes 14 assists and a gaudy .195 shot percentage.
Pinto concluded his college career as a three-time All-South Atlantic Conference First Team selection, a three-time Daktronics All-Southeast Region honoree and a three-time NSCAA All-Southeast Region pick to go along with All-American honors by both Daktronics and the NSCAA. Pinto's 2012 season is among the greatest in LMU's history as he piled up 21 goals, five assists and four hat tricks to receive SAC and Daktronics Southeast Region Player of the Year distinctions.
Following his collegiate playing career at Lincoln Memorial, Pinto played professionally with EC Noroeste, a second division club located in Bauru, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
