Bio

Rafa Heck is in his fifth season as Eagles Men’s Soccer Head Coach. During his tenure, he has a record of 30-24-4, including two trips to the NCCAA National Championship.

Heck's 2021 season brought Judson back to the NCCAA National Championship contest for the first time since 2009. Additionally, he ushered Luis Germano to be one of the best statistical players in the nation, including NCCAA North Central Region and CCAC Player of the Year. 

During his time, Heck has had numerous award-winning players under his leadership. In 2019, Niko Mihalopoulos was named CCAC and NCCAA North Central Region Player of the Year. Luis Germano and Pedro Rodrigues also earned All-CCAC and NCCAA honors. In 2018, Luis Germano was named NCCAA Player of the Year, while Mihalopoulos, Eduardo Ruiz-Liebers, and Matheus Montes were second-team all-region. In CCAC awards, Germano, Diego Silva, Mihalopoulos, and Randy Lavaire took home CCAC Honors.

Heck was previously the assistant coach for Judson for seven seasons prior to becoming the head coach. Eagles soccer programs have made a combined five NCCAA National Championship Appearances, two NAIA National Tournament appearances, and a CCAC Regular Season Championship.

Graduate Assistant Andres Murillo has this to say about Heck.

"Coach Rafa is one of the most hard-working individuals I have ever met. He dedicates time and resources to his craft. He puts his athletes before himself always. As he guides and shapes you to succeed on the field as much as off the field for a future. Not only is he a coach to multiple players but many consider him to be family." 

The Sao Paulo, Brazil native played for Judson in the 2009 and 2010 seasons after transferring from Oklahoma Baptist University. In his two seasons as an Eagle midfielder, Heck scored 15 goals and added 12 assists. He graduated from Judson University in 2011 with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science and also completed his Master's degree in Organizational Leadership and Business Administration at Judson.