Born and raised in Valencia, Venezuela, Coach Perez moved to the United States to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Applied Sports & Exercise Science from Barry University, where he played for three years, competing in the Sunshine State Conference of NCAA Division II. In the spring of 2018, he was recruited by the University of Charleston, then the current Division II National Champions, to pursue a Master’s degree in Strategic Leadership. During his time at Charleston, the team won the Mountain East Conference regular season, the MEC Championship, and the NCAA Atlantic Regional Championship. He also served as a Graduate Assistant Coach for the team for a semester before graduating in May 2019.
Before assuming the head coach position at Warren Wilson College, Manuel spent the spring season as a volunteer assistant coach for the Barry University Men's Soccer program. Before joining the Bucs, he served as an assistant coach for the University of Pikeville, competing at the NAIA level, where he helped the team achieve the best conference record in program history and the best overall record in the past five years. Prior to that, he briefly coached at Carolina Day High School in Asheville, helping shape the team to their best season in program history, reaching the NCISAA 2A Championship Final.
His coaching career has been diverse and enriching. He has served as an assistant coach and strength & conditioning coach for top UPSL clubs, including Florida Soccer Soldiers, Palm Beach Stars, and Miami United. During his time in Miami, he also ran a sports performance training business, focusing on developing soccer players. In 2022, he moved to Boston to work with Boston City FC, initially as an assistant coach for the USL2 season and then as the head coach for the club's inaugural season in the Eastern Premier Soccer League. Under his leadership, the team finished 2nd and achieved the longest undefeated streak in the club’s seven-year history.
As a player, Coach Perez played for Asheville City SC in 2023, winning the South-Central Division title in the USL2. He also had the privilege of winning the UPSL South Florida division multiple times, with Florida Soccer Soldiers in 2020 and 2021, and with Homestead FC in 2023. Additionally, he played for the NPSL team Greenville FC during the 2018 and 2019 seasons and is currently playing for Asheville FC, the local UPSL team.
Coach Manuel is thrilled to bring his extensive experience and passion for the sport to Warren Wilson College. His coaching philosophy emphasizes player development, teamwork, discipline, and resilience, and he is dedicated to fostering a positive and competitive team environment. He looks forward to leading the Men's Soccer program to new heights and achieving success both on and off the field.
