Riolan Mello, Recruiting Coordinator

University of Mount Olive

[email protected]

(872) 270-7120

I’m a former athlete and coach who’s passionate about helping young people succeed, both on the field and in life. I graduated from the University of Mount Olive with a Bachelor’s degree in Business, which gave me a solid foundation in leadership and strategy. I then went on to earn my Master’s degree from Northeastern State University, where I sharpened my skills in organizational development and business management.

Soccer has been a big part of my journey. I played for five years at the collegiate level, and after that, I continued my playing career semi-professionally. Soccer taught me the importance of teamwork, hard work, and resilience, and I carry those lessons with me in everything I do. Whether it was pushing myself to improve on the field or supporting my teammates, soccer shaped me into who I am today.

After finishing my playing career, I moved into coaching at the NCAA level, where I had the chance to mentor student-athletes and help them balance academics, athletics, and personal growth. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, and it made me realize how much I enjoy helping others reach their full potential.

Today, I have the pleasure of working at NCSA, where I help student-athletes navigate the recruiting process and find the right college fit. I love being able to use my experience in sports and business to guide the next generation of athletes. It’s exciting to be a part of their journey and to help them achieve their goals, both on and off the field.