SPRINGFIELD - Missouri State women's soccer head coach Kirk Nelson announced Monday the addition of Adam Nerio as an assistant coach for the Bears' program.

Nerio comes to Springfield after spending the past three seasons as an assistant women's soccer coach at Idaho State University, where he was involved in all areas of the program, including player development, recruiting, field sessions, video analysis, scouting reports and team operations.

"I'm incredibly excited to join Missouri State and be part of a program with such a strong culture and standard," Nerio said. "I'm looking forward to building relationships with the players and staff and helping continue the success that's already been established here."

Missouri State head coach Kirk Nelson said Nerio's coaching background and relationship-centered approach made him a strong fit for the Bears' staff.

"We are extremely excited to welcome Adam into our Mo State family! He brings enthusiasm, excellent soccer acumen, and coaching expertise that will benefit our program," said Nelson. "Adam has a genuine and positive spirit essential for supporting our core values and connecting with our team. We can't wait to work together and continue to evolve this program into something very special. Go Bears!"

Prior to his tenure with the Bengals, Nerio served as assistant women's soccer coach at St. Mary's University in San Antonio from 2019 to 2022. While with the Rattlers, he helped guide the program to one of its most successful seasons in school history, including its first NCAA Tournament at-large bid and an appearance in the Lone Star Conference semifinals. He also briefly served as interim head coach, helping lead St. Mary's to its first postseason appearance since 2016.

His coaching background also includes a stop as assistant men's soccer coach at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas. Before entering the college coaching ranks, he worked with the New York Red Bulls Youth Training Programs in Westchester, N.Y., where he trained high-level boys and girls club teams from U9 through U17 and served as a lead trainer in the region.

A native of San Antonio, Nerio competed collegiately as both a men's soccer player and NCAA Division I cross country athlete at Centenary College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science in 2011. He later earned a Master of Arts in Public History from St. Mary's University in 2020, where he received the Presidential Award for leadership, service and academic excellence.

Nerio holds a U.S. Soccer Federation "C" License, a United Soccer Coaches Goalkeeping Level 1 Diploma and is First Aid and CPR certified.

His hire is contingent upon formal approval by the Missouri State University Board of Governors at its next scheduled meeting.