Coaches of New York: Melanie Cunha

I come from a Portuguese background, and both of my parents came to the United States in search of better opportunities, working incredibly hard to build a life for my two older brothers and me. We are very proud of our Portuguese heritage, and that identity has shaped who I am today. Futebol was always a central part of our lives, both culturally and within our big family. I’ve been playing the game for as long as I can remember, and it’s been a constant source of passion, discipline, and connection in my life. 

After competing at the collegiate level, I had the opportunity to play professionally overseas, which was a major milestone in my career. I was even lucky enough to have my family come watch me compete in Portugal and celebrate with them after scoring in a big match for us, which still happens to be one of the best days of my life. However, one of the most challenging periods came when I made the decision to return to the U.S. to pursue my MBA while serving as a Division I graduate assistant coach in New Jersey.

That transition was not easy for me, as I went from training and competing at a high level every day to dealing with injuries and stepping away from playing professionally. I truly missed that level of competition and still do. However, coaching gave me an outlet to stay connected to the game I love while redefining my purpose within it. It allowed me to turn a difficult transition into something meaningful. I strive to be someone who inspires players to believe they can reach the next level and always find their way back to the reason whythey first started playing.  

Red Bull has played a foundational role in my coaching journey. I first got involved while I was still in college, and it gave me the opportunity to experience the game from a completely different perspective, not just as a player, but as a coach and mentor. Through Red Bull, I’ve been held to a high standard and given resources that have helped me grow. The environment challenges me to continuously improve and pushes me to make a meaningful impact on every player I work with and every field I step on.  

aim to add value in every environment I am a part of. With coaching specifically, that means helping players grow, not just in their skills, but in their confidence, mindset, and love for the game. I want to be the coach who sparks that passion, especially for young female players, to help them see what’s possible for their future. 

Having gone through my own journey as a player, I understand how important it is to have someone who believes in you, and I have been blessed with so much support in my life. That’s what drives me every day, to be that person for someone else and to help open doors for the next generation of players. 

Current Position: Hub Soccer of Denville Coach

Joined Red Bull Youth Programs: 2021