Jesus Perez

Competed at the professional level following a decorated collegiate career, gaining valuable experience in elite training environments, match preparation, and high-performance team cultures.

• Tacoma Defiance (Seattle Sounders FC second team)
• Dundalk FC (Ireland)
• Forward Madison FC

University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) - NCAA Division I

• Two-time Horizon League Player of the Year
• Second Team All-American
• Two-time Horizon League Champion
• MLS SuperDraft selection (22nd overall).

Began post-playing career in youth development, progressing into head coaching and leadership responsibilities with an international education institute that integrates soccer, education, and personal growth.

• Head Coach for U13-U15 age groups responsible for designing training sessions, match preparation, performance analysis, and long-term player development planning.
• Designed and implemented periodization plans tailored to RSA's school structure with daily morning and afternoon sessions, considering physical and cognitive demands, principles of play, cycle goals, and 20 game schedule.
• Taught Spanish and Humanities within a nontraditional academy setting integrating academics and athletics.
• Delivered student-centered instruction aligned with culturally responsive and project-based learning approaches.
• Prepared documentation and systems required for accreditation through state and national organizations.
• Participated in meetings and planning related to Missouri Nonpublic School accreditation, sustainability initiatives with United Nations leaders, and global football-for-good networks.

Founded and developed a soccer-based early childhood program designed to introduce the game through movement, creativity, and play, while also supporting early social and emotional development.

• Designed curriculum appropriate for early learners, balancing structure with exploration.
• Led on-field sessions while managing program operations, communication with families and growth strategy.
• Program reflects commitment to long-term development and access at the earliest stages of the player pathway.

Worked with the longest-standing nonprofit serving the Hispanic community in the United States, supporting youth through education, prevention, and recreation-based programming.

• Created and delivered prevention and life-skills curriculum to inner-city high school students across Kansas City.
• Lead service-learning initiatives connecting youth to community engagement and real-world learning experiences.
• Developed and led free community soccer programming serving over 200 youth within an 18-month period.
• Built partnerships with KC Current, Sporting Kansas City, U.S. Soccer Foundation's Soccer for Success, and Project Play.
• Served as Lead Summer School Coordinator, managing 15 teachers and 30 youth workers while supporting programming for approximately 400 students.