The Cal Poly Humboldt Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and head men's soccer coach Fred Jungemann has announced the hiring of Juliano "Nano" Pereira as the new assistant men's soccer coach. Pereira comes from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine where he served as the assistant men's soccer coach for the last two seasons.
"On behalf of the men's soccer program we are all excited to welcome Nano to the Lumberjack family," stated head coach Fred Jungemann. "Former assistant Brian Bianucci, has been a big part of our program for the last five years and his departure has left a big hole in our program. We believe Nano is the perfect combination of experience, maturity, and energy to step in and take the baton from Brian. No one can replace Brian in our hearts, but Nano will undoubtedly make his own mark on our program and help us continue expanding the competitiveness of our program as we strive to reach our goals."
Pereira had a large role at Bates College, which included recruiting, operations, and individual player development. Over the course of two years, he helped coach striker Tife Agunloye to become not only the leading goal scorer for the NESCAC, but also earn back-to-back first team all-conference nods. Pereira coached a total of three all-conference players during his time at Bates College.
Previously, Nano served as the Head of Recruiting for Tiro Sports, a program that aids in the recruitment of international student-athletes by U.S. colleges.
Nano graduated from Vassar College in 2014 with a degree in Psychology. As a central midfielder, he helped the Brewers to the first Liberty League title and NCAA tournament victory in program history. He was a team captain, three-time All-Liberty League selection, and recipient of the Matthew Vassar Outstanding Career award.
After college, Nano continued playing and coaching at a high level around the globe. He had professional playing stints in Brazil, Iceland, San Diego, Greece, Finland, and New York City.
"I'm very excited to become a Lumberjack, and to compete at the highest level of Division II soccer," said Pereira. "I am grateful to coach Fred for building a strong foundation for the program, and for giving me the opportunity to help lead the team. I know that our University is in a state of growth, and I believe we are in the best position we've ever been to recruit the best athletes, and contend with the other top teams in the CCAA and the nation."
Nano started his coaching career in his hometown of Albany, California, spending three seasons with the boys' varsity team at Albany High School, while assisting youth clubs in the region. Throughout his pursuit of a professional playing career, Nano also sought to get involved in the local football community and stay active in the game. He took on coaching roles in each of the cities he lived in which included stops in Iceland, San Diego, Greece, Finland, and New York.
In 2020, Nano earned a dual master's degree in Sport & Exercise Psychology from the University of Thessaly in Greece and the University of Jyvãskulã in Finland (EMSEP program). Nano is half-Brazilian, speaks fluent Portuguese, and is a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) licensed coach.
