University of West Florida

Eduardo Oliveira had a stellar four-year career as a defender for the UWF men’s soccer program, starting 57 of 59 games in his career. In his senior season in 2006, Oliveira was named to the Daktronics Division II All-America first team, becoming the first Argonaut to earn first team All-America honors since West Florida joined the NCAA in 1995.
 

Oliveira, a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, helped lead the Argonauts to two Gulf South Conference titles and an appearance in the NCAA Division II semifinals in 2006. He was also named the Daktronics South Region Player of the Year as a senior and was a two-time All-GSC selection. For his career, Oliveira totaled nine goals and one assist while seeing most of his time on the back line. He was honored as a member of the GSC all-time team after the conclusion of his career.
 
Oliveira started his coaching career as an assistant under head coach Bill Elliott at UWF in 2007 and stayed for three seasons. His career also took him to his home country Brazil, where he was on the staff for the women’s national team and coached in two FIFA World Cup tournaments. He currently is the co-owner of 2i Sports, where he develops coaching methodology, coaching education programs and coaching software.
 
Eduardo is engaged to marry Mariana Serrano, and they will be married later this year.
 
UWF Athletics Hall of Fame Questionnaire
1. What was your most memorable moment in UWF athletics?
I believe the 2006 season was unique for everyone. We were determined to make an impact nationally, and we pulled out a great run to the NCAA final four. The team showed hard work and talent during the year and that experience stays in my mind until now. I am sure it will remain in my mind because it was a sport experience that can be related to life every day.
 
2. Being a former student-athlete, how has it helped you in your life after college?
It helped to build my character. The experiences I had participating in UWF athletics showed me what life is about. The commitment we had with team and the school, the goals we set every season, the wins and losses we had, the leadership we developed in many players, all these aspects helped me and are the foundation I have as a human being. I am very grateful to be an Argonaut.
 
3. Please list any other information that you would like to share.
I would like to share my appreciation for UWF. I learned about life values and principles while at school. From the classroom to the field, I had the most important people in my life, besides my family. I thank the professors for being so helpful and great influencers to develop my learning abilities. I thank the athletics staff because I spent many hours, days and years along with them and every attitude they had helped me to become the person I am today. In special, I thank Bill Elliott for being a coach and a coworker for seven years while encouraging me to try my best by learning from my mistakes and maximizing my potential. Thank you UWF athletics, it is a great honor to represent the men’s soccer program in the Hall of Fame.