We’re continuing our STORIES OF GRACE series, highlighting God’s faithfulness and loving-kindness in the lives of Bethel University faculty and staff. This morning we are blessed to hear from Coach Thiago Pinto.

Thiago has served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Bethel for the past 15 years. Originally from Brazil, Thiago moved to Hawaii to complete high school, and since 2002, Bethel has been his second home. Thiago earned his Bachelor’s and two master’s degrees at Bethel. He also met his wife, Kristie, here and they are proud parents of Jennifer and grandparents of Hudson James.

Known as a players’ coach, a coaches’ coach, a pastor, a church leader, and a community organizer, Thiago has been a visionary in using soccer as a ministry tool with a footprint of impact in over 15 countries. While he is a national championship winning coach and national coach of the year recipient, Thiago cares most deeply about equipping and empowering servant leaders to fulfill their God-given purposes and to transform communities worldwide.