FC Wichita Announces New Head Coach, Bryan Perez

WICHITA, KAN. (MAY 10, 2019) — FC Wichita has announced the hiring of Bryan Perez as the new head coach of the men’s team. Perez will arrive in June and immediately take control of the team.

“It’s a great challenge. I’m excited for the opportunity,” Perez said. “The confidence FC Wichita has instilled in me, I’m honored and excited to make Wichita my home. FC Wichita has grown and I want to help in every phase. I am looking forward to passing along knowledge and experience to the youth, and bringing a trophy to Wichita. We want to celebrate something special here, they deserve that.”

Perez played for the Wichita Wings in 2011-12. He appeared in 29 matches and scoring 21 goals for the Wings. Perez will arrive in Wichita with his wife, Jamie, who is originally from Wichita. They have two children, Mila (4) and Enzo (1).

Perez will be the fifth head coach in franchise history.

“Coach Perez is the future for FC Wichita,” CEO Blake Shumaker said. “He brings a wealth of experience both on and off the field. He is committed to building upon the current youth and men’s football programs. He has the passion, knowledge and energy to continue the standard FC Wichita has set since Day 1. This is an incredibly exciting moment for FC Wichita. We are getting a great human being, husband and father.”

Perez was most recently the Director of coaching for Alliance FC in Kansas City. He oversaw all coaching and technical decisions for the club. He’ll have added responsibilities at FC Wichita where he will also oversee the FC Wichita Academy and coaching staffs. He’ll uniform all philosophy, club tactics, and provide a pathway to the first team for those who stay in the system.

Perez, originally from Costa Rica, moved to Florida at the age of 12. He attended Miami Killian High School. From there, he played at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. While playing for the Kangaroos, Perez set schools records across the board. He ending his career there as the team’s all-time leader in goals (29), points (70), shots(160), and games played (78). Perez is still the record holders for goals, points, and games played. He also became the first three-time first team all-league honoree and the first four-time all-league selection in school history. Perez was an assistant coach for the ‘Roos on multiple occasions.

Perez played for six different indoor clubs, including a six-year stint with the Kansas City Comets.  A team captain for the Comets, he led the Comets to an undefeated 2015 season. That also includes back-to-back championships in 2014 and 2015. Perez ended his career with 128 goals and 95 assists.

Perez was also called up to play with the United States Men’s National Futsal team for their 2012 and 2016 World Cup qualifying teams.

“With this amazing opportunity, we are so happy to be returning to a place we will always call home,” Perez said.