Adam Perron hired as head coach for Coastal Carolina men’s soccer program

CONWAY, S.C. – Coastal Carolina University Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and University Recreation, Chance Miller, announced that Adam Perron has been named the next head coach of the Chanticleers’ men’s soccer program.

Perron joins Coastal Carolina after serving as the associate head coach at the University of Virginia since 2020, where he played a key role in recruiting and player development for one of the nation’s premier men’s soccer programs. A seasoned coach with experience across all levels of collegiate and professional soccer, Perron brings a proven track record of success, leadership, and player mentorship to the Chanticleer sideline.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Perron and his family to Coastal Carolina,” said Miller. “Coach has a long history of winning and brings a tremendous combination of tactical knowledge, recruiting insight, and a passion for developing student-athletes on and off the field. His experience at programs that have competed in the post season has prepared him well to continue our tradition of excellence in men’s soccer.”

During his tenure with the Cavaliers, Perron helped develop 10 Major League Soccer draft picks and an All-American selection. In that time, Virginia made three NCAA Tournament appearances (2022–24) and advanced to the Sweet 16 twice. This season, the Cavaliers hold an 11-1-4 record and enter the ACC Tournament as the top seed.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Coastal Carolina, Chance Miller, Andy Humes, Krista Gray, and President James Winebrake for giving me this opportunity. It’s truly an honor,” said Perron. “One of the main reasons I came to Virginia in the first place was to learn from Coach Gelnovatch and Coach Chulis. Working alongside them, I experienced what a winning tradition looks like and learned valuable lessons that I’ll be bringing with me to Coastal. My family and I will always be thankful for our time in Charlottesville.”

Before his time at Virginia, Perron spent two seasons at James Madison University (2018–2019) as the Dukes’ top assistant and recruiting coordinator. During his tenure, JMU posted a combined 26-12-6 record, captured two Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament titles, and made back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2018, the Dukes advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the first time since 1995 and finished the year ranked No. 10 nationally. That same season, Perron and the JMU staff were named the United Soccer Coaches Regional Staff of the Year.

A former collegiate and professional goalkeeper, Perron has built a reputation for developing elite goalkeepers and defensive units. Under his guidance, JMU set a single-season shutout record (13) and posted a 0.57 goals-against average in 2018, the third-lowest mark in the nation.

Prior to JMU, Perron held coaching roles at Southern New Hampshire University, Ohio State University, and Seacoast United Academy and Phantoms of the Premier Development League (PDL). His teams consistently ranked among the nation’s best defensively, and his goalkeepers earned All-America and conference honors.

A 2006 graduate of Colby-Sawyer College, Perron was a four-year starter in goal and two-time All-Conference selection. He went on to play professionally in the USL-PDL with the Western Massachusetts Pioneers, Massachusetts Twisters, and Portland Phoenix, where he captained the team in 2013. Perron later earned a master’s degree in liberal studies from Utica College in 2012.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to come to a program like Coastal, which I believe has tremendous potential for greatness and outstanding resources,” Perron added. “I share the vision of the athletic department and the direction it’s heading. I have immense belief in myself, our staff, the alumni of this program, and everyone who will be involved in bringing championships back to Coastal Soccer. My family and I are happy, excited and looking forward to getting to Conway!”

Perron becomes the fifth head coach in Coastal Carolina men’s soccer history. He and his wife, Alysia, have a one-year-old daughter named Aurora.