Joe Perez
17 Joe Perez

Bio

Coach Perez begins his 8th season with Central and will work with the infielders and hitters. Perez has also been named Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator.

Coach Perez is one of the premier coaches in the industry, known for his recruiting, work with hitters and infield play.  He was recognized for this in 2021 being named ABCA National Assistant Coach of the Year.  During his tenure with the Vaqueros, Central Has won 2 National Championships, 3 Western District titles, 2 Region 1 Championships and the ACCAC Conference Championship three times.

In his first seven years, the Vaqueros have led the conference in double plays, has had 12 infielders awarded ALL-ACCAC, 6 awarded ACCAC Gold Gloves, and 1 named NJCAA Rawlings Gold Glove for 2B (Pikai Winchester). In his short time with the Vaqueros, 23 infielders have received scholarships to 4-year universities, 21 of which were to NCAA D1 programs. In 2019, Perez managed the 3rd base box as the Vaqueros lead the ACCAC in stolen bases, runs scored and won the NJCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

Prior to his time at Central, Perez spent 4 seasons with Grand Canyon University. Perez worked alongside Head Coach Andy Stankiewicz assisting with Infielders. As the Director of Baseball Operations, Perez organized and oversaw budget, travel, team orders, and administrative needs. 

In his 4 seasons at GCU, the Lopes were named the 2013 D2 West Region Champs, appeared in the D2 College World Series, and were named Western Athletic Conference Champs in 2015. In those 4 years 2 GCU players were recognized with Rawlings National Gold Glove honors. 

Perez coached in the Alaska Baseball League with the Matsu Miners. The Miners won their first league title since 2010. Perez coached infielders and assisted with hitters. The Miners finished with a .966 fielding percentage and allowed the fewest unearned runs in the league. All 4 of Perez’s infielders from that summer went on to sign in the MLB draft.

Perez played college ball at Jamestown University in Jamestown, ND. As a senior Perez was named to the All DAC 1st Team and was also awarded with the DAC Gold Glove. In his time at Jamestown, the Jimmies won 2 DAC Titles. 

Perez graduated from Jamestown with his Bachelors in Health and Fitness Administration. He also holds a Masters Degree from GCU in Organizational Leadership. Perez resides in Gilbert with his wife Jacqueline and daughters Mila and Elena.