Nuno Gourgel completed his third season as the Head Coach of both Men and Women soccer programs in the fall of 2018. He has led the men’s program to a 38-16-2 record, while also leading the women to a 44-4-8 record and a combined 82-20-10. The men finished in the NJCAA top 20 in 2017(#19) and 2018 (#9), while leading the women’s team to an NJCAA top 20 in 2016(#17), 2017 (#15), 2018 (#12).
Coach Gourgel has been named Women’s coach of the year for the 2016,2017 and 2018 season. In addition, the badgers boast a large number of Region 18 selections, including the 2016, 2017 and 2018 players of the year. These selections were followed up with a 2016, 2017 and 2018 All-American selections for the women’s badgers. In the meantime, the Men’s program also received many Region 18 selection and a 2018 All-American selection.
Coach Gourgel is a native of Portugal. Gourgel grew up in London, England, where played for the well-known professional academy of Tottenham Hotspurs FC, Leyton Orient FC, while also representing his country Portugal at U-15,U-16 and U-17 level.
After moving to the United States, he attended college at the NAIA powerhouse Ashford University (Iowa). During his time at the school he helped the school to various national appearances, as well as, captain FC London to the North American Professional Development League PDL National Championship. Upon completion of his college career, Gourgel played for Kitsap Pumas.
Gourgel comes to Snow College after having served as the first assistant for the men's and women's soccer program since 2014 at Arizona Christian University in Phoenix, Ariz. He also served as the goalkeeper coach for Professional Development League (PDL) Sockers' F.C. in Midland, Texas, where in 2015 he helped the franchise reach its first Sweet 16 appearance.
Gourgel holds an MBA with an emphasis in sports business from Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Fla. Gourgel also has two bachelor's degrees from Ashford University, including a degree in business administration and another in sports recreation management.
Here is what the soccer community is saying about Coach Gourgel:
"The Sockers FC organization would like to thank Nuno for his work and dedication to the USL PDL franchise. Nuno has been an invaluable asset to the team both from a recruiting and coaching aspect. Nuno was an integral part of our first ever U.S. Open Cup run and our playoff appearance in 2015. Although we are sad to be losing Nuno on the coaching staff, we are very excited for him and his new endeavor at Snow College. There is no doubt that Snow is the benefactor of a terrific young coach who knows how to recruit and manage collegiate squads. Nuno is an exemplary person on and off the field of play and he will be an outstanding representative for Snow College.” -- Matt Barnes (St. Mary's University; Sockers FC)
“Nuno has all the qualities needed to thrive in his new coaching role. He has a great knowledge of the game, both as a player and coach, and is incredibly hard working. I believe his passions and skills as a motivator and teacher will make him and the program a great success. I am proud I had the opportunity to work with Nuno in the past and believe Snow College have made a great hire. I wish him all the luck in the world in his new position. “-- OKC Energy (USL PRO) Assistant Coach James Ritchie
“I have had the opportunity to have been coached by Nuno and his knowledge of the game is extremely high for someone so young. He was able to explain different facets of the game that I have abled to my game on a regular basis, especially in the pros.” --USL PRO Player David Abidor (Tulsa Roughnecks)
"Snow College has got an exceptional coach in Nuno Gourgel. Coach Nuno is one of the best up and coming coaches in American soccer. As a former professional soccer player and a colleague of Coach Nuno, I fully believe that coach Nuno will continue to positively impact everyone he comes in contact with on and off the field!"--Former MLS player Eddie Abadio
"We are extremely excited for Nuno and his new endeavor," said Arizona Christian University Head Coach Alan Berrios. "He has played a huge role in putting ACU on the map and turning the program around. Nuno is a great up-and-coming, young coach. There is no doubt in mind that he will build a quality program at Snow College. I'm confident that Nuno will be successful anywhere he goes. His dedication and work ethic is outstanding and will be missed here." – Alan Berrios (Arizona Christian Head Coach)
