Kevin Vieira began working with UC Merced Recreation and Athletics in 2010, and has the distinction of being the only head athletic trainer since the department’s inaugural year of intercollegiate athletics in 2011. In August of 2023, he was elevated to Assistant Director - Student Athlete Well-Being. He oversees the care of all intercollegiate athletic teams as well as the sports club teams, professional staff and student staff. Vieira is currently the direct athletic trainer for men's soccer. Vieira and staff have been named the Athletic Training Staff of the Year by the California Pacific Conference.
Prior to UC Merced, Vieira was responsible for the creation of the athletic training program at Madera South High school, and also served as the head athletic trainer at Madera South from 2007 to 2011.
Vieira graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Cal State University Fresno in 2007, then earned his master’s degree in Kinesiology from Fresno Pacific University in 2009.
Vieira has been an active member of the bullfighting scene since 2003, and has been grabbing with his current group, Aposento de Turlock, since 2011. In his free time he also enjoys football, basketball, softball and snowboarding. Â
A native of Elk Grove, CA., Vieira now resides in Merced with his wife Gina, children Madelynn and Matthew, and dog Dallas.Â
