Growing up in Brazil and Uruguay, João Vieira’s dream since childhood was to play soccer in America. 

That passion eventually carried him thousands of miles to the United States, where he’s now a top player for the Missouri S&T Miners soccer team and maintaining a 4.0 GPA majoring in economics.

“Soccer is my passion,” he says. “It has been a big part of my family life from a very young age. I always wanted to come to the U.S. to play soccer and receive excellent academic training for a brighter future, not only for myself but also for my family.”

Excelling in economics 

Vieira chose S&T not only for soccer, but because it was the best option financially and academically.

“It’s much better than the other offers I had,” he says.

In addition to studying economics as an undergraduate, Vieira is on the Grad Track Pathway pursuing a degree in S&T’s new master’s degree in Economics and Innovation (MEI).

Vieira says Dr. Melody Lo, MEI director and chair of economics helped point him toward this path when he was choosing whether to major in business or economics. 

“I was a little inclined toward economics, but after talking to her, I went straight into economics,” he says. “I have had a lot of good experiences, especially with the industry-driven MEI curriculum since starting last fall.”

One of those experiences was the S&T Miner Tank Innovation Showdown in December. Out of 12 teams, Vieira’s won third place and a $1,000 scholarship prize. The team pitched a new way to convert retired coal power plants into nuclear energy facilities using small modular reactors, which would reuse existing infrastructure to produce cleaner energy.

“It was a good experience, and we presented our plan to business and industry leaders as a group. So far, that’s been the best part of the master’s program,” he says.

Vieira maintains a 4.0 GPA, even with his challenging MEI graduate courses. 

“I am committed to working hard to keep it that way,” he says.

Vieira’s secret to maintaining that GPA? His highly supportive teammates.

Building a brotherhood

Vieira says he often stays up late studying then gets up early for soccer practice, which makes it challenging to balance academics and athletics.

But he isn’t alone. Teammate and roommate Rodrigo Vargas is also studying economics and will begin MEI courses next semester. 

“Rodrigo and I motivate each other to give our best both on the soccer field and in the classroom,” Vieira says. “We have built a brotherhood that will last a lifetime.” 

Iker Bermejo and Juliano Costa recently joined Vieira on the team and are pursuing the same academic path, building the brotherhood even stronger.

Vieira says the team has a very welcoming culture and that has helped him adjust to life in America. Initially he found the language and cultural differences, but his teammates made him feel at home.

During his first Thanksgiving break, teammate Caden Archer invited him to spend the week with his family. 

“That was very receptive from his part, and also his family,” he says. “As a team, we take care of each other, especially foreigners who sometimes don’t have anywhere to go.”

A top player

Vieira led his team to a successful season while maintaining his 4.0 GPA and earned both the First-Team All-GLVC player award and the 2025 GLVC Fall Scholar-Athlete Award, an honor the Great Lakes Valley Conference presents to student athletes who demonstrate excellence both in their sport and in academics. 

“I played the best soccer of my life,” he says. “Of course, my teammates and coach Rob were the biggest part of it. They’re with me every day, and we have a very good team.”

Keeping his passion

After he graduates in 2027, Vieira says he will continue to play soccer, whether it’s professional or casual.

“I love soccer. I will always play no matter what,” he says. 

When it comes to his career, Vieira is interested in a consulting role where he can operate at the intersection of innovation strategy, R&D management, economic and business development, and policy analysis to drive innovation, inform strategic decisions and shape technology and development outcomes.

“I’m keeping all the doors open,” he says. “I won’t ever say, ‘This is the only path I want.’ With everything S&T has to offer, I am confident my future is full of possibilities.”