POPLARVILLE, Miss. — Pearl River soccer is once again sending another coach to the next level after goalkeeper coach Joao Paulo Valadares was hired by the Southern Miss women's soccer program as their new assistant. 

Valadares is joining Southern Miss' program after two seasons as the Wildcats goalkeeper coach. 

"The two years I spent working with both the women`s and men`s soccer programs were vital for me to grow, learn, and develop as a coach and as an educator," Valadares said. "Just like we groom athletes to reach their potential, I was being prepared to take the next step. I`m forever grateful to PRCC and everyone that makes the school be what it is—especially Head Coaches Drew Gallant and Henrik Madsen."

Both the men's and women's soccer teams excelled in Valadares' two seasons with the Wildcats as both teams qualified for the MACJC Tournament both seasons. 

Under Valadares multiple PRCC goalkeepers earned conference and national recognition. 

Men's keepers Kobe Lie (Hattiesburg; North Forrest) and John Bowman (Bay St. Louis; Bay High) earned NJCAA Goalkeeper of the Week honors and MACJC Goalkeeper of the Week honors. 

Lie was named to the All-Region XXIII and All-MACJC teams while Bowman was named to the All-MACJC team. 

Lie had 11 wins and posted six shutouts while Bowman had nine wins and posted seven shutouts. 

Women's keepers Candyce Martin (Gautier) and Paige Horsnell (London, England) also earned MACJC Goalkeeper of the Week honors. 

Hornsell also made the All-Region XXIII team. 

Horsnell had seven wins as a freshmen. 

"I know this may sound corny, but there are too many positives that I can say about J.P.," Pearl River men's soccer coach Drew Gallant said. "He came in here as a goalkeepers coach, but he proved he was more than just a goalkeepers coach. He was great for us tactically; he could run sessions for us and all of the players loved him. Southern Miss is really lucky to have him and we were really lucky to have him as long as we did."

"We have nothing but good things to say about J.P.," Pearl River women's soccer coach Henrik Madsen said. "We loved having him on our staff. Southern Miss is a getting a great assistant coach. He is a young, energetic guy that loves the game."

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