John Amaral
Office Phone: 413-265-2348
Office E-mail: amaralj@elms.edu
 
John Amaral, the only head coach in the 10-year history of the men's soccer program, has brought an impressive list of accomplishments and credentials to the Blazers' sidelines, ranging from his years as a professional soccer player, to more than 20 years coaching high school and collegiate soccer, to leading both men's and women's soccer programs at Elms College to North Atlantic Conference (NAC) championships.

Coach Amaral played soccer professionally for 12 years for the Castelobranco-Benefica Soccer Club of Portugal, the New Britain Falcons, Hartford United, Gremio Lusitano of the Connecticut Soccer League, and Lowell United in the L.A.S.A. League of Massachusetts. He has served as a soccer analyst for ESPN, a consultant to Spaulding soccer, coach of the Springfield Sirens women's professional soccer club in 2001, and was a United States Soccer Federation licensed official.

Coach Amaral, who has coached high school and collegiate soccer for more than 20 years, led the Blazers' women's soccer team to the 1999 NAC Tournament championship. Two years later, he led the men's team to its first-ever conference title. In addition, several players under Coach Amaral's tutelage have earned All-Conference and All-American honors, while one has gone on to a professional soccer career.

Coach Amaral played four years of collegiate soccer at Westfield State College from 1973 to 1976 and led the Owls to four consecutive NCAA championship appearances. He still ranks as the program's 12th all-time leading scorer with 37 goals and 90 points.

A native of Portugal, Coach Amaral has taught foreign languages at Holyoke High School since 1980. He received his bachelor's degree in modern foreign language from Westfield State College, and earned his master's of education in administration from Elms College.