BRISTOL, R.I.- Roger Williams is pleased to announce the hiring of Benjamin Figueiredo of New Bedford, Mass. as the new Assistant Coach for the men's soccer team.  Figueiredo brings experience from the highest levels of international soccer to his work under Head Coach Jim Cook.

Figueiredo is an accomplished soccer player, having gained national acclaim as a high school player, when he was named the All-American Player of the Year his senior season.  He has also played internationally, with the U-15, U-16 and U-17 Portuguese National Teams, as well as for the Sporting Clube Portugal and Sport Lisboa Benfica. 

Also an experienced coach, Figueiredo presently coaches the Black Watch Premier Soccer Club within the Super Y League, and is the Head Coach for the varsity girls' team at East Providence High School.  He has also held coaching positions at Bishop Connolly High School, LaSalle Academy, and the girls' programs run through the Massachusetts Stingers of the Women's Premier Soccer League.

Figueiredo has earned coaching certification through both the United States Soccer Federation and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. 

Head Coach Jim Cook is excited to have Figueiredo join his staff.  "It's nice that he's joining in the spring, as it gives him an opportunity to meet the student-athletes and learn their strength and weaknesses before we start competing in August."

Cook describes Figueiredo as a "hands on coach that is both able to demonstrate skills and communicate very well. " 

Figueiredo will assist at the team's nontraditional season practices and return to coach at preseason beginning in August.