Entering his 14th season at the helm of UC Riverside Men’s Soccer, Head Coach Tim Cupello has solidified the Highlanders as a perennial powerhouse in the Big West Conference - now transitioning to the PAC-12 in 2026 - and a respected program on the national stage.
The 2022 Big West Coach of the Year, Cupello has spearheaded the most successful era in program history. Under his leadership, the Highlanders have captured two Big West Regular Season Championships (2014, 2018) and two Big West Tournament Titles (2018, 2022). These landmark victories earned UCR berths in the NCAA Tournament, proving the program’s ability to compete at the highest level of collegiate soccer.
Cupello’s tenure is defined by his elite ability to develop talent for the professional level. His most notable protégé, Aaron Long (LAFC), rose from UCR to become the captain of the U.S. Men’s National Team and a member of the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad. The list of "Pro Highlanders" under Cupello’s watch is extensive, including:
- Daniel Aguirre (Chivas Guadalajara)
- Michael Salazar (Montreal Impact / Belize National Team)
- Aleksandar Vukovic (Real Salt Lake)
- Cesar Diaz & Diogo Baptista (San Jose Earthquakes)
- Otis Earle (FC Dallas)
- Additional Pros: Eric Gonzalez, Yosimar Hernandez, Ricky Ruiz, Tony Lopez, Ronaldo Lomeli, Romario Lomeli, Leopoldo Hernandez, Jose Diaz, and Norberto Ochoa.
Cupello joined UC Riverside in 2010 as an assistant coach under Junior Gonzalez (now Head Coach of El Paso Locomotive), serving in that role until being named Interim Head Coach in 2013. Prior to his arrival in the Inland Empire, Cupello spent three seasons (2007–2009) at Syracuse University. During his time with the Orange, he helped build the "Colvin Street Elite," the official student support group featured on ESPNU’s "Campus Connection" in 2009. His coaching career began with immediate success at Fredonia State University in 2005, where he assisted in leading the team to a 17-4-4 record and an NCAA Tournament Quarterfinal appearance.
Beyond the scoreboard, Cupello is a fierce advocate for academic excellence and personal growth. Under his guidance, the program has maintained a consistent team GPA above 3.2, ensuring his student-athletes are prepared for life after graduation. He stresses a culture of "Family" and character development, often citing that his proudest career achievement is the privilege of welcoming former players back to his staff. This legacy of internal mentorship is evidenced by alumni Emilio Huerta, Eric Gonzalez, and Romario Lomeli all returning to serve on the UCR coaching staff.
Cupello has mentored several assistants who ascended to high-level positions, including Kyle Schmid (Head Coach, LMU), Eric Gonzalez (Real Murcia CF), and Ladule Lako LoSarah (Tampa Bay Rowdies). This coaching DNA was shaped by his father, Nelson Cupello—a legendary figure who coached collegiately for over 30 years and played professionally for the Rochester Lancers (NASL). This foundation of professional experience and coaching longevity continues to drive Tim Cupello’s vision for the future of UC Riverside soccer.
Off the pitch, Cupello enjoys spending time with his wife, Brianna, and their two children, daughter Kinley and son Nelson. While he is a dedicated tactician on the sidelines, he cherishes the time spent watching his children compete in their own various sports, embracing the opportunity to simply be a "Dad" instead of a coach.
