Amherst, Massachusetts – University of Massachusetts Men's Soccer Head Coach Fran O'Leary has named Luke Perry the program's associate head coach. Perry joins the Minutemen after spending nine seasons as the head coach at American International College (NCAA Division II).
Perry is a native of Manchester, England, and spent the past 11 years at AIC in Springfield. Perry joined the Yellow Jackets coaching staff in 2013 as a graduate assistant and spent the next two seasons learning under head coach Fred Balbino. In 2015, Perry was officially named the program's head coach. During his time at the helm, he led the Yellow Jackets to the NE-10 playoffs five times and in 2018 defeated Le Moine for the program's first postseason victory. .
In 2021, AIC had a record-setting season under Coach Perry. The team won 15 games, the most in program history, and earned the No. 2 seed in the NE-10 tournament. AIC competed in the NE-10 Championship for the first time, but lost 2-1 to Franklin Pierce. However, Perry and the Yellow Jackets advanced to their first NCAA tournament, defeating Molloy in the first round. That season, AIC achieved his first national ranking in the United Soccer Coaches Poll, reaching 14th place.
Prior to coaching at AIC, Perry played at Lees-McRae College (NCAA Division II) where he helped the Bobcats win a national championship. During his tenure, Perry had seven goals and 21 assists and was named Conference Carolina Newcomer of the Year. Perry then transferred to Southern Connecticut State University (NCAA Division II), where he was named team captain and remained a starter until his graduation in 2013.
Joining Luke in Amherst are his wife, Bri, and daughter, Lily.
