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. Pinto, who will be involved in all aspects of the program, begins his new duties immediately.
“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.
Pinto’s elevation into his new role as Assistant Coach corresponds with the announcement of Associate Head Coach Juan Mascaro Jr. shifting to work with the BC Women’s Soccer team. Working with Head Coach D’Anna, Mascaro Jr. helped guide the Tornados to three straight postseason appearances and the Spring 2021 USA South West Division championship. Mascaro Jr. also served as the reserves head coach in his time with the men’s soccer program.
“Words cannot express the gratitude for what Juan Junior has done for the men’s soccer program, including the first team and the reserves,” said D’Anna. “Our success is in no small part due to his contributions. His love for Brevard College and soccer will go on with the women’s team and he will continue building a work of excellence.”