John Barata Varsity Head Coach
Head Coach | Oliver Ames High School Boys Soccer
2024 Boston Coach of the Year | 2024 Hockomock Coach of the Year
John Barata is one of the most accomplished high school soccer coaches in Massachusetts, known for his exceptional leadership, championship pedigree, and commitment to player development both on and off the field.
Now in his 17th season as Head Coach of the Oliver Ames High School Boys Soccer Team, Barata has built one of the state’s most dominant programs. Under his guidance, OA has captured four MIAA State Championships (2015, 2022, 2023, 2024), including an incredible three-peat over the past three seasons. His teams have also earned six MIAA South Sectional titles, six Final Four appearances, and 11 Hockomock League Championships, including six consecutive titles from 2019 through 2024.
Coach Barata has amassed over 200 career wins and consistently leads one of the most respected and competitive programs in the region. His teams are known for their technical ability, tactical intelligence, and relentless work ethic—hallmarks of a culture that emphasizes excellence, accountability, and teamwork.
In 2024, he was honored as both the Boston Coach of the Year and Hockomock League Coach of the Year, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier high school coach in New England. These accolades add to an already impressive list of coaching honors:
• United Soccer Coaches National Coach of the Year – Youth (2022)
• Boston Globe Coach of the Year (2014, 2022)
• Eastern Massachusetts Soccer Coaches Association COY (2012, 2022)
• MIAA Coach of the Year (2021)
• United Soccer Coaches Coach of Significance (2017)
• 4× Hockomock Sports Coach of the Year
• Mass Youth Soccer Girls Competitive Coach of the Year (2020)
Beyond the accolades, Barata is widely respected for his ability to mentor student-athletes through the full arc of their high school experience. His players regularly advance to top collegiate programs, and many return as alumni to credit him as a foundational figure in their lives.
Coach Barata also serves as a U.S. Soccer Grassroots Instructor and holds several top-tier coaching licenses, including the U.S. Soccer “A” License, Director of Coaching License, and the United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma.
Driven by a love of the game and a deep commitment to his school and community, John Barata continues to set the gold standard for high school soccer in Massachusetts.
Head Coach | Oliver Ames High School Boys Soccer
2024 Boston Coach of the Year | 2024 Hockomock Coach of the Year
John Barata is one of the most accomplished high school soccer coaches in Massachusetts, known for his exceptional leadership, championship pedigree, and commitment to player development both on and off the field.
Now in his 17th season as Head Coach of the Oliver Ames High School Boys Soccer Team, Barata has built one of the state’s most dominant programs. Under his guidance, OA has captured four MIAA State Championships (2015, 2022, 2023, 2024), including an incredible three-peat over the past three seasons. His teams have also earned six MIAA South Sectional titles, six Final Four appearances, and 11 Hockomock League Championships, including six consecutive titles from 2019 through 2024.
Coach Barata has amassed over 200 career wins and consistently leads one of the most respected and competitive programs in the region. His teams are known for their technical ability, tactical intelligence, and relentless work ethic—hallmarks of a culture that emphasizes excellence, accountability, and teamwork.
In 2024, he was honored as both the Boston Coach of the Year and Hockomock League Coach of the Year, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier high school coach in New England. These accolades add to an already impressive list of coaching honors:
• United Soccer Coaches National Coach of the Year – Youth (2022)
• Boston Globe Coach of the Year (2014, 2022)
• Eastern Massachusetts Soccer Coaches Association COY (2012, 2022)
• MIAA Coach of the Year (2021)
• United Soccer Coaches Coach of Significance (2017)
• 4× Hockomock Sports Coach of the Year
• Mass Youth Soccer Girls Competitive Coach of the Year (2020)
Beyond the accolades, Barata is widely respected for his ability to mentor student-athletes through the full arc of their high school experience. His players regularly advance to top collegiate programs, and many return as alumni to credit him as a foundational figure in their lives.
Coach Barata also serves as a U.S. Soccer Grassroots Instructor and holds several top-tier coaching licenses, including the U.S. Soccer “A” License, Director of Coaching License, and the United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma.
Driven by a love of the game and a deep commitment to his school and community, John Barata continues to set the gold standard for high school soccer in Massachusetts.
Olivier “Ollie” Ndikumana
Junior Varsity Head Coach/Varsity Assistant Coach
Coach Ollie is entering his third year as the JV soccer coach at Oliver Ames, where he also coaches track and field. With 5 years of coaching experience, Ollie has developed 3 state champions and 7 national qualifiers, specializing in speed, explosiveness, and athletic development. He’s a Bridgewater State alum and holds a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Reggie College, blending performance training with a deep understanding of how athletes learn and grow. Ollie is the founder of the Start to Finish Speed Clinic, where he trains athletes across sports to unlock their full potential.
Jake Sunderland Freshman Head Coach/Varsity Assistant Coach
-Coach Sunderland has worked with the Oliver Ames Boys soccer program for over a decade spread over two different stints. He worked with the program from 2003-2009 and again from 2018-present.
-During his current stint the JV program has experienced continual improvement and success including an undefeated season in 2020. More importantly it has produced numerous players who have found success at the varsity level and beyond.
-Along with coaching at Oliver Ames he also coaches for the New England Navigators.
-Coach Sunderland played at Coyle Cassidy High School where he is a member of the Hall of Fame.
-He holds a Grassroot License from the U.S. Soccer Federation and is completing his USSF National “D” License.
-He began teaching high school history in Easton in 1999 and specializes in World History and Philosophy. Along with teaching and coaching soccer he also coached the Oliver Ames Track and Field program for two decades.
-During his current stint the JV program has experienced continual improvement and success including an undefeated season in 2020. More importantly it has produced numerous players who have found success at the varsity level and beyond.
-Along with coaching at Oliver Ames he also coaches for the New England Navigators.
-Coach Sunderland played at Coyle Cassidy High School where he is a member of the Hall of Fame.
-He holds a Grassroot License from the U.S. Soccer Federation and is completing his USSF National “D” License.
-He began teaching high school history in Easton in 1999 and specializes in World History and Philosophy. Along with teaching and coaching soccer he also coached the Oliver Ames Track and Field program for two decades.
Dan Garzoglio Freshman Head Coach/Varsity Assistant Coach
-Dan Garzoglio, Señor G, joined the Oliver Ames Boys soccer program in 2003.
-He has completed ten years as the Junior Varsity / Assistant Varsity coach with time taken away in 2010 – 2011 for a sabbatical in Spain.
-During the his years of coaching, the JV team has competed at a high level and enjoyed success with consecutive winning seasons.
-Coach Garzoglio started playing soccer when he was 10. He played for both the town and school system of Brockton.
-More recently, Dan has played in men’s and coed leagues in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
-Señor G has been a member of the Easton community since September 1997 when he began his teaching career as a member of the World Language Department.
-His Undergraduate degree is from Stonehill College and his two Masters degrees are from Framingham State College.
Contact: [email protected]
-He has completed ten years as the Junior Varsity / Assistant Varsity coach with time taken away in 2010 – 2011 for a sabbatical in Spain.
-During the his years of coaching, the JV team has competed at a high level and enjoyed success with consecutive winning seasons.
-Coach Garzoglio started playing soccer when he was 10. He played for both the town and school system of Brockton.
-More recently, Dan has played in men’s and coed leagues in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
-Señor G has been a member of the Easton community since September 1997 when he began his teaching career as a member of the World Language Department.
-His Undergraduate degree is from Stonehill College and his two Masters degrees are from Framingham State College.
Contact: [email protected]
Rick Milliken Varsity Assistant Coach
Coach Milliken brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the pitch, shaped by a lifelong dedication to the game. A former four-year collegiate athlete at a nationally recognized NCAA Division II program, he continued his playing career at the semi-professional level before transitioning into coaching
Over the past decade, Coach Milliken has made a significant impact on youth development in the region. He spent seven years coaching with Easton Youth Soccer and five years at the club level, helping players refine their technical skills, game IQ, and passion for the sport. He is entering his fifth season as an assistant coach at Oliver Ames High School, contributing to a competitive high school program known for its excellence and tradition.
In addition to his soccer credentials, Coach Milliken is a certified speed and agility coach with a specialized focus on developing the athletic performance of aspiring soccer players. His training emphasizes explosive movement, foot speed, and injury prevention—critical components of today’s modern game.
Coach Milliken is passionate about player development, team culture, and inspiring young athletes to reach their full potential both on and off the field.
Joseph "Jojo" Cerqueira Varsity Assistant Coach
Joseph is a proud alum of Oliver Ames High School, Class of 2017, and currently serves as a volunteer coach for the boys' soccer program. Holding a USSF D License, Joseph brings a strong foundation of coaching education and a deep personal connection to the program.
As both a player and coach, Joseph has been part of a remarkably successful era for Oliver Ames soccer, contributing to numerous achievements, including:
- MIAA Division II State Champions: 2015, 2022, 2023, 2024
- MIAA Final Four Appearances: 2022, 2023, 2024
- MIAA South Section Champions: 2014, 2015, 2017
- Hockomock League Champions – Davenport Division: 2013, 2015, 2020–2024
- Hockomock League Champions – Kelly-Rex Division: 2017, 2019
- MIAA Tournament Appearances: 2013–2024
- United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award Winners: 2014–2024
Kevin Moreira Sr. Varsity Assistant Coach
Coaching License / Certificate:
United States Soccer Federation B License
United States Soccer Federation C License
United States Soccer Federation D License
United States Soccer Federation E License
United States Soccer Federation F License
MIAA Certified Coach
MIAA Fundamentals of Coaching Course w/ Sport Specific (Soccer)
NFHS Accredited Interscholastic Coach
NFHS Certified Interscholastic Coach
NFHS Coach Level 1, 2 & 3
United Soccer Coaches – Special Topics Diploma - Development of Psychology in Youth Players United Soccer Coaches – Special Topics Diploma - Teaching Techniques Activities to Games
Additional Qualifications/Certifications:
US Soccer Grade 8 Referee since 2015
US Soccer Referee Assignor
Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments
SafeSport Trained
American Heart Association BLS Instructor (CPR/AED/First Aid)
Coaching Background:
16+ years’ coaching experience at competitive levels U8-U14
7+ years’ coaching experience at competitive levels U15-U19
Currently with:
NEFC (Head Coach 2023-present)
Oliver Ames High School Boys Varsity Soccer (Asst Coach) 2022 & 2023
- MIAA Division 2 State Champions 2022 & 2023
Beautiful Game Soccer Academy (Staff Coach at residential camp - Brewster Academy, Wolfeboro, NH
Raynham Youth Soccer, MA (Head Coach - Travel)
Raynham Youth Soccer, MA (Board of Directors 2008-2024)
Massachusetts Youth Soccer District Select D2 (Head Coach 2018-2024)
Personal Coaching Philosophy:
My coaching philosophy is simple: concentrating on player development and working as a team when the players are younger, so it becomes second nature when they are older. A coach must provide a positive experience for all players and accept and appreciate what each player can contribute. Wins are always special - but close losses are ok too and can be a positive teaching moment if players pushed themselves hard, never gave up, tried something new, took a chance playing outside their comfort zone and then take the time to apply lessons learned.
Coach's Favorite Team:
S.L. Benfica for Portugal Primeira Liga - European Soccer
New England Revolution for MLS
