Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Howard Lake, Lester Prairie, Winsted, Watertown, Mayer, New Germany, Waverly, MN and the surrounding area

PREP GIRLS SOCCER: W-M’s Perez named Section 6A Coach of The Year


WATERTOWN – The Watertown-Mayer girls soccer program has been a work in progress. Over the past four years, Royals head coach Joseph Perez has made his mark as he’s helped turn the Royals into a team that’s received statewide attention the past two seasons.

For his hard work and success over the past season, Perez was named the Section 6A Girls Soccer Coach of The Year.

“It was completely unexpected, but it is an amazing feeling to be recognized for your work, effort, and dedication at any time,” Perez said. “When it comes from your peers there is an added feeling. It means that they recognize my efforts and that my work is paying off with results that certainly move a community.

While the award certainly means a lot to Perez who has poured an unmeasurable amount of time and effort into the program, he knows it’s not possible if not for his players.

“We have had a fantastic and historical season, but I defer all credit and accolades to my players as they are the ones working extra and investing in this wonderful sport,” Perez said. “All I do is put the plan together and they go out and execute.”

Perez and the Royals burst onto the scene in 2019. W-M had one of their best seasons in school history, posting a record of 11-3-1. In 2020, there was no letdown as the Royals finished the regular season with an overall record of 9-1-1, earning the No. 1 seed in the Section 6A Tournament.

Each year the Royals have improved under Perez. A big reason for that is the relationships he’s been able to build with his players and the team chemistry he’s created.

“Coach Perez is one of the toughest coaches I’ve ever played for,” Julia Otto said. “He’s hard on us because he cares so much about every single one of his players. I think what sets apart our team from others is the bond we all have. (He’s) has made it a point for us to all be friends, and it shows through our season. You can see how close we’ve all grown through how we play. Our team is truly a family. He is so committed to this team and has impacted Royals soccer so much. I couldn’t imagine this team without him.”

“Coach Joseph has made such an impact on the girls soccer program at Watertown,” Mercedes Burmeister said. “Since he started coaching, we’ve only become more and more successful every year. He demands the best from us every game. He cares about the team more than any of us will ever know, and I don’t know what our team would do without him. Playing for Joseph means that you have to be ready to want to get better and put your all into the game. He has earned this year’s award for Coach of the Year by a long shot.”

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