IRVINE, Calif. – Jessica Perez has been named an assistant coach for the 2018-19 season, head coach Elizabeth Ferris announced.   

Perez comes to UCI after a year as an assistant coach at Seattle University. Last season, she helped coach the Redhawks to the semifinals of the Western Athletic Conference Tournament.

"There is no doubt Jessica has some big shoes to fill, but she is ready," said Ferris. "She has gained valuable experiences as a student-athlete at LMU, as a private tennis instructor, and collegiate coach at Seattle U.  We have a demanding fall schedule and I have complete confidence she will be able to jump right in and provide stability, strength, and direction.  I feel very fortunate to have someone of her caliber joining the team, and I cannot wait for the entire team to meet her!" 

Perez, a four-year standout player at Loyola Marymount, knows what it takes to be successful and grow in collegiate tennis.  As a freshman, she earned honorable mention All-West Coast Conference honors as a singles player and second team All-WCC accolades as a doubles player.  Her sophomore year saw her earn second team All-WCC honors as a singles player, and her senior year she was named second team All-WCC in both singles and doubles. 

"I am so grateful for this opportunity to work for and be a part of such a prestigious university and continue my college coaching career," Perez said.  "I am excited to work with a talented coach like Liz and I know her and I will be a great team that is capable of building this program to new heights in all different ways." 

A graduate of Dana Hills High School, Perez was a four-time All-CIF nominee and two-time All-State recipient, while also being ranked No. 21 nationally her senior year. 

Perez will be replacing Desiree Tran who coached alongside Ferris for two seasons. 

"Two years ago I received my first head coaching opportunity and Desiree was here with me every step of the way. We learned our new roles together, leaned on and trusted one another, and had the utmost respect and confidence in each other's abilities. She will be missed, but I am glad I can call her a friend."