Somerset, KY – June 2, 2025

Kentucky Rush Soccer Club is proud to announce the appointment of Paulo Neto as its new Technical Director, marking an exciting step forward in the club’s continued evolution and commitment to player development.

Coach Neto brings a distinguished background in both collegiate and youth soccer, most recently serving as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at the University of the Cumberlands—a position he returned to in June 2024 after a highly successful first stint from 2005 to 2011. During his initial tenure, Neto became the Patriots’ all-time winningest coach with an 82-29-8 record and led the program to two NAIA regional appearances and three national top-25 finishes.

Under his leadership, the Patriots reached double-digit wins every season, broke into the NAIA Top 25 for the first time in school history, and captured the Mid-South Conference (MSC) regular season title in 2008. His track record of building high-performance environments and developing players on and off the field speaks for itself.

In addition to his collegiate experience, Neto has spent the past five years as a Club Technical Director, working directly with players and coaches across all levels of the game. His leadership style blends tactical insight with a player-centered approach, and his reputation as a mentor and educator is well established.

“We’re thrilled to have Paulo leading our technical vision at KY Rush,” said Joe Estes, Director of Operations. “He brings the experience, professionalism, and leadership we need to take the next step as a club. This is a pivotal moment for us, and Paulo is the right person to guide our coaches and players forward.”

As Technical Director, Neto will oversee the club’s coaching staff, curriculum, and player development framework. He will also play an integral role in aligning Kentucky Rush with national standards while building a competitive and inclusive environment for players throughout the region.

Tryouts for the 2025–2026 season are set for June 13–14, with a makeup session on June 20. Coach Neto will be present throughout the process and looks forward to meeting players and families across the area.

This is more than a change in leadership—it’s a signal of Kentucky Rush’s long-term commitment to raising standards, improving structure, and creating a premier youth soccer experience in the region.