The Marshalltown Community College athletic department is pleased to announce the hiring of Raphael Nascimento as Assistant Men's Soccer Coach. Nascimento brings a great attitude and understanding of what Head Coach Rafael Martinez is trying to do.
"We are thrilled to have Raphael join our coaching staff," stated Martinez. "Not only is he familiar with our process from being a former player here at MCC, but he has seen success at higher levels and will be a great mentor to our players."
Nascimento played for the Tigers and Coach Martinez from 2010-2011, providing a dominant defender in the Tigers back line. After graduation, Nascimento played at AIB and then Grand View University where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Sport Management.
While in college, Nascimento played for the Des Moines Menace, a member of the Professional Development League. After his college career concluded, he played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies during the 2016 season and the Florida Tropics in the Major Arena Soccer League. Nascimento was fortunate enough to be asked to play for Martinec FC in Spain for the 2017 season. Most recently, Nascimento played for the Brazilian Arena Soccer National Team, competing as recently as March of 2018.
Nascimento is accepting his first college coaching position but is not new to coaching. Formerly he coached at Indianola High School, serving as a varsity assistant coach. Prior to his time at Indianola, Nascimento coached U12 and U13 Menace teams.
"I want to thank Coach Martinez for allowing me to start my coaching career here at MCC," stated Nascimento. "Having been a player here and played under Coach Martinez this is really special for me and my family. I think this staff and this school do the things that allow a soccer program to be successful and I can't wait to get to work and try to make a positive impact on our student-athletes lives."