Quentin Perez - Head Wrestling Coach
Texas Wesleyan University proudly welcomes Quentin Perez as its third head wrestling coach, appointed in June 2025. A seasoned competitor and coach with a deep passion for wrestling, Perez brings extensive experience as a three-time NCAA Division I national qualifier, NWCA All-American, and senior-level athlete. His leadership is poised to elevate both the men’s and women’s wrestling programs, building on their recent successes and driving toward national prominence in the NAIA.
Early Life and High School Career
Born in Martinez, California, Perez spent much of his childhood visiting family in Texas, fostering a strong connection to the state. During his sophomore year of high school, he relocated to Arlington, Texas, where he attended Arlington High School. There, Perez quickly rose to prominence, capturing two UIL 6A state championships in 2014 and 2015. His 2015 title run was particularly dominant, with all matches won by technical fall, earning him the Most Outstanding Wrestler award for the 6A division. Perez credits his late start in wrestling—beginning in middle school rather than early childhood—for giving him a unique perspective and relentless drive to improve.
Collegiate Career
In 2015, Perez committed to Campbell University in North Carolina, joining a Division I wrestling program under head coach Cary Kolat. At the time, Campbell was considered the weakest team in its conference, but Kolat’s rebuilding efforts transformed the program into a national contender. Perez played a pivotal role in this turnaround, helping the team climb to a top-15 national ranking by his fifth year, with six NCAA tournament qualifiers. Individually, Perez overcame a challenging freshman season to become a three-time NCAA national qualifier (2017, 2018, 2020) and an honorable mention NWCA All-American in 2020. In addition, to being named conference champions twice. His final NCAA tournament was canceled due to COVID-19, with Perez seeded 13th in the bracket.
Academically, Perez excelled at Campbell, earning a degree in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice and receiving Academic All-American honors. Reflecting on his collegiate experience, he said, “We were all bought in and completely committed to our goals. That level of dedication shaped who I am as a coach today.”
Senior-Level Competition
After college, Perez pursued senior-level wrestling at Regional Training Centers (RTCs), training with elite athletes and coaches. He first joined the Navy-Marine Corps RTC in Annapolis, Maryland, under Coach Cary Kolat, where he trained alongside standout wrestlers like Chance Marsteller and Dean Heil. During this time, Perez won a bronze medal at U23 Nationals and qualified for World Team Trials in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.
Later, Perez returned to the Bay Area to train at Stanford University’s California RTC, where he worked with high-caliber athletes such as Vincenzo Joseph, Tyler Berger, Ben Honis, and Gabriel Townsell. “I grew leaps and bounds at Stanford,” Perez said. “Being around Coach Rob Koll gave me an internal view of what it takes to run a team.” In 2023, Perez and his wife decided to return to Texas to focus on coaching and building wrestling in their home state.
Coaching Career
Upon returning to Texas, Perez founded Southern Style Wrestling, a club dedicated to elevating the sport in a state where wrestling is still developing. “I wanted to bring back what I learned from Division I and senior-level wrestling to Texas,” Perez said. His club has already produced several state champions, including current Texas Wesleyan wrestlers Landry Wilkinson and Carla Campos. In the 2024-2025 season, Perez joined the Texas Wesleyan wrestling staff as a volunteer coach, immersing himself in early morning practices and competition travel. His familiarity with the team and their skills made him a natural fit for the head coaching role when the opportunity arose.
As head coach, Perez brings a dynamic recruiting class, including four Southern Style Wrestling athletes, and a vision to make Texas Wesleyan a NAIA powerhouse. “This team already has a great foundation,” Perez said. “The women’s team finished top 10 nationally with three All-Americans, including a five-time All-American and a national champion. The men’s team finished in the top 20 nationally, with one individual finalist.. We’re ready to train at new levels with high expectations.”
Vision for Texas Wesleyan Wrestling
Perez is committed to growing wrestling in Texas, where collegiate programs are rare. To support this mission, he is leading a $100,000 fundraising campaign to build a dedicated wrestling facility at Texas Wesleyan. The envisioned facility will include multiple mats, weight and cardio training spaces, locker rooms, lounges, and staff offices. “A dedicated facility will improve training opportunities, enhance recruitment, and increase program visibility,” Perez said. “Our student-athletes have the commitment and work ethic—providing them with the right space will push them further.”
Personal Life
Perez resides in Fort Worth with his wife, who has been a steadfast supporter throughout his wrestling and coaching journey. His experiences across California, North Carolina, Maryland, and Texas have shaped his perspective as a coach who values resilience, adaptability, and community.
Call to Action
Under Coach Perez’s leadership, Texas Wesleyan wrestling is poised for a new era of excellence. Fans and supporters are invited to contribute to the program’s $100,000 fundraising goal to create a state-of-the-art wrestling facility. For more information or to donate, please visit ramsports.net.
