DUDLEY, Mass. (11/17/2025) - Matheus Campos, a second-year graduate assistant for the men's soccer team, has brought his knowledge, passion, and international perspective to Nichols College all the way from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  After earning his undergraduate degree in General Business with specializations in Sport Management, Economics, and Finance in 2024, Matheus decided to continue his journey at Nichols by pursuing his Master's in Business Administration. He now balances his graduate studies with his role as the graduate assistant coach for the men's soccer team.

Growing up in Brazil, soccer was more than just a sport for Matheus — it was a way of life. "That's what everyone does with their time," he recalls. "After school, between classes, and in our free time, we play soccer." Surrounded by the game since childhood, Matheus played for local clubs and built a deep love and understanding of the sport. For him, soccer was part of everyday life.

During his senior year of high school — which took place during the COVID-19 pandemic — Matheus began exploring ways to combine his academic goals with his athletic opportunities. With the help of an agent who had connections to Nichols College through a former tennis recruit, Matheus learned about the school's strong business programs and competitive athletic community. After connecting with the coaching staff, he realized Nichols could offer both the educational foundation and the soccer environment he was searching for.

Education has always been important to Matheus; he describes how he 'loves learning and expanding his knowledge." Both of his parents were professors in Brazil, and they instilled in him the belief that education opens doors. Matheus wanted a college experience that felt hands-on and entrepreneurial — something beyond just sitting in lectures. Nichols offered that balance: a place to learn, compete, and grow. Excited for the opportunity, he made the move from Brazil to the U.S. to become part of the Nichols community.

From 2021 to 2024, Matheus played as a midfielder for the Nichols men's soccer team. During his time on the field, he earned CCC Academic All-Conference honors in both 2022 and 2023, recognizing his dedication both in the classroom and on the field. Beyond athletics, he worked as a teaching assistant for Introduction to Sport Management under Professor Shelby Masse and participated in virtual reality research with Professor Kevin Mentzer. These experiences helped him deepen his understanding of the business and analytical sides of sports.

Matheus also completed an internship with Base Sports, a sports management and marketing firm in Brazil. There, he developed skills in market research, product analysis, and event management — experiences that gave him a broader understanding of how the global sports industry operates. "That internship really opened my eyes to how business connects with the game," he says. "It's not just about what happens on the field — it's also about how you build something off it."

Now in his second year as the graduate assistant coach, Matheus works closely with Head Coach Marco DeVito, who is in his first year leading the men's soccer program. Together, they focus on building a strong team culture and a positive environment for the players. Matheus emphasizes how important that culture is: "As a coach, you can shape how the team works and feels. The wins will come if you create the right environment. When the players feel supported, they develop — not just as athletes, but as people."

He describes his role allowing him to apply what he's learning in his MBA program directly to real-life situations — leadership, teamwork, organization, and communication. "This position is a great way to gain experience in both business and sports," he says. "It's rewarding to help the team while continuing my own education."

Looking ahead, Matheus is still exploring his next steps after completing his master's degree. He hopes to find opportunities that allow him to travel, explore, and build global connections in sports and business. He has already started a soccer agency business, which continues to operate, and he dreams of expanding it in the future — focusing on caring for people, nurturing ideas, and developing impactful programs.

Ultimately, Matheus' long-term dream is to create a nonprofit organization that focuses on education, arts, and sports. He believes these three areas can transform lives by helping people move beyond social and economic barriers.

Matheus Campos continues to grow as both a coach and a leader — combining his love for soccer, his business mindset, and his commitment to making a difference in his own way.