Perez Leads USA Flag 15U Team to Gold Medal at Junior International Cup

LOS ANGELES – After debuting the Baker women's flag football program this past spring, Wildcats head coach Willy Perez guided the U.S. Flag National 15U Girls' Team to a gold medal at the 2024 Junior International Cup in July.

Perez, who was named head coach for the girls 15U team in 2023, led the US to their second straight Junior Cup title after winning four of its five games at the two-day tournament. After falling to Team Mexico during pool play, Team USA defeated them in the championship match by a score of 38-13.

"It was such an honor to be able to coach this team for the second straight year," said Perez. "I really enjoy getting to teach this sport and help mold these athletes to get them to perform at a higher level. Also, knowing that one day some of these kids could go on to represent the USA at the Olympics is incredibly special and makes it such a rewarding experience."

With the tournament being played in Los Angeles, the Junior International Cup featured both 15U and 17U boys' and girls' teams and included teams from Canada, Japan, Mexico and Panama competing alongside the US.

The competition served as a precursor to the 2028 Summer Olympic Games which are taking place in Los Angeles and will include flag football for the first-time ever.

With over 20 years of playing experience in flag football, Perez originally came to Baker after boasting a highly-successful career as a quarterback that includes both national and world championships as well as being a finalist for the 2022 US National Team. In 2021, he won the FFWCT 35 and Over World Championship in both 4 and 5 Man formats with the championships being played in Panama City.

In his first season at BU, Perez led the Wildcats to a 13-7 overall record and a win in the NAIA Women's Flag Football Finals with a 26-12 victory over Midland in their postseason debut. BU went 9-4 in conference play and reached the semifinals of the KCAC Tournament.

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