Bulldog Soccer Academy

Coaching Staff

Nate Kopunek
Director of Operations & Player Personnel

Nate Kopunek, who spent the last four years on the staff at George Mason, begins his first season as the Director of Operations & Player Personnel for the Yale men’s soccer program in 2017.

“Having Nate join us in this role says a lot about the positive direction we are moving,” said Kylie Stannard, The 5K Corral Head Coach of the Bulldogs. “To be able to attract someone with his experience from a very strong Division I program like George Mason shows great belief in the vision and ambition we have for the program.  He has been mentored by several good coaches including head coach Greg Andrulis, also a former head coach in the MLS.  Nate is already bringing great insight and ideas to our coaching staff.  He is a very hard worker, brings a lot of positive energy and is passionate about helping our players and program strive for excellence.”

At George Mason, Kopunek helped the Patriots to a No. 12 national ranking and a final RPI of 33 in 2014. He mentored one All-America selection and three All-Region honorees. In addition, the Patriots had players signed by both the New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union and one who earned a spot on the U.S. U19 National team during his tenure.

"I am extremely humbled and honored to be able to work for such a prestigious institution in Yale,” Kopunek said. “I want to say thank you to Coach Stannard for this amazing opportunity.  I am looking forward to joining the Bulldogs staff and helping the program continue to develop gentlemen and scholars in the classroom and on the pitch.  Lastly, I would like to thank Coach Andrulis and George Mason University for giving me my start in college coaching."

In addition to his duties at George Mason, Kopunek coached at the club level on the Maryland United FC boys staff. His coaching experience also includes stints as an assistant coach with the Baltimore Bays Chelsea USSF Development Academy and the Fewster FC club. Additionally, he has helped with the D.C. United game day operations since 2007.

Kopunek is a 2014 graduate of Towson, earning a degree in business administration with a concentration in legal studies. While at Towson, he pursued an undergraduate coaching internship with the men’s soccer team where his responsibilities included setting up practice, videotaping games and reviewing game files for statistical analysis. He eventually earned a walk-on spot on the roster before the program was disbanded. Prior to Towson, Kopunek spent the 2009-10 academic year at George Mason where he served as the manager for the men’s soccer team.