MINOT, N.D. – Following a season that saw the Beavers set records for their defense and come within an overtime of the NCAA tournament, Minot State Athletics has removed the interim tag and named TJ Perez as the Beavers head coach.

Perez, who took over leadership of the Minot State soccer team in August, led the Beavers to a 9-3-9 overall record this fall, to a fourth-place finish in the NSIC and a home playoff game, and to the NSIC Tournament championship game.

"We are thrilled that Coach Perez will continue to be our head soccer coach," Minot State's Director of Athletes Kevin Forde said. "He was thrust into the position very late in the pre-season and handled everything in such a first-class manner. Minot State University is excited for the continued success of its soccer program and couldn't be happier to have Coach Perez leading the way."

Coach Perez is the third head coach in the 13-year history of Minot State soccer program.

"First, I want to thank President (Steven) Shirley, Kevin Forde, and the committee for their trust in me to do the job," Perez said. "It is an honor to represent Minot State University and the soccer program. I look forward to continuing the development that this program has made and taking steps to make this program better every year.

"We have had some good experiences as a team this past year and I want to continue our growth and evolve our culture in the program; a culture built on enjoyment, trust, honesty, and competition," Minot State's coach added.        

While 2022 was the first season as head coach for Perez, the campaign was Perez's third with the team as he spent two seasons as the top assistant with former head coach Chris Clements, who left in August to take over as Director of Athletics at Hastings College in Nebraska.

In the first season under Perez's leadership, six Beavers earned All-NSIC honors and nine players were named to the NSIC All-Academic Team. Minot State also went 10 straight games without allowing a goal, and senior goalie Maddie Kindred set single-season (14) and career (26) shutout records while earning Academic All-American honors.