Myrtle Beach, SC, January 9, 2026
News Summary
Coastal Carolina University has appointed Adam Perron as the new head coach for its men’s soccer program. This transition, announced by Vice President Chance Miller, represents the university’s focus on fostering competitive excellence and student development. Perron, who arrives with an impressive coaching background, aims to elevate the Chanticleers to a higher level in collegiate soccer while maintaining the program’s rich history and community impact.
Myrtle Beach, SC — Coastal Carolina University has ushered in a new chapter for its men’s soccer program with the appointment of Adam Perron as the new head coach. Announced in November 2025 by Chance Miller, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and University Recreation, this leadership transition underscores the university’s commitment to fostering competitive excellence and robust student development within its athletic programs.
Coastal Carolina University, situated in Conway just minutes from Myrtle Beach, SC, serves as a vital educational and cultural hub for the region. The university prides itself on challenging students to lead boldly and inspiring them to make a tangible difference in their communities. The elevation of a new head coach for a prominent athletic program like men’s soccer reflects the institution’s dedication to academic rigor, student growth, and institutional excellence, recognizing the profound community and economic impact that collegiate sports contribute to South Carolina’s educational ecosystem.
A New Era for Chanticleer Men’s Soccer
The announcement in November 2025 marked a significant moment for the Chanticleers, as Adam Perron stepped into the role of head coach for the men’s soccer program. Perron becomes the fifth head coach in the program’s distinguished history, signaling a forward-looking vision for the team. His appointment was met with anticipation, reflecting the university’s commitment to recruiting seasoned leadership with a proven track record. Perron has articulated a desire to build and create a distinct culture, with an overarching goal of returning the Coastal Carolina men’s soccer program to an elite level within collegiate soccer in the United States. This emphasis on strategic development and cultural foundation aligns with the university’s broader mission of fostering disciplined individuals prepared for leadership.
Adam Perron’s Extensive Coaching Pedigree
Perron arrives at Coastal Carolina University with an extensive and accomplished coaching background. Prior to leading the Chanticleers, he served as the associate head coach at the University of Virginia starting in 2020, where he played a crucial role in player development and recruitment for a nationally recognized program. During his tenure at Virginia, Perron contributed to the development of ten Major League Soccer draft selections and an All-American honoree. The Cavaliers also made three appearances in the NCAA Tournament between 2022 and 2024, advancing to the Sweet 16 twice.
Before his time at Virginia, Perron served two seasons as the top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at James Madison University from 2018 to 2019. Under his guidance, James Madison achieved a combined record of 26-12-6, secured two Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament titles, and made consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Notably, the Dukes reached the NCAA Quarterfinals in 2018, finishing the season ranked No. 10 nationally. In recognition of their performance, Perron and the James Madison coaching staff were honored as the United Soccer Coaches Regional Staff of the Year in 2018. Perron is also widely recognized for his expertise in developing elite defensive units and goalkeepers, highlighted by James Madison’s single-season record of 13 shutouts and a 0.57 goals-against average in 2018, which ranked as the third-lowest in the nation. His earlier coaching experience includes roles at Southern New Hampshire University, Ohio State University, Colby College, and Utica College, along with positions within the Premier Development League (PDL) with Seacoast United Academy and Phantoms. Perron’s background as a collegiate and professional goalkeeper further enhances his tactical knowledge and player mentorship.
Honoring a Rich Program History and Shaun Docking’s Legacy
Adam Perron steps into a program with a substantial history of achievement. The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers men’s soccer team, established in 1978, has garnered 15 regular-season conference championships and 17 NCAA Tournament berths. The team made history in 2003 by becoming the first Big South Conference team to reach the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, a feat repeated in 1992, 2012, 2013, and 2017.
This successful foundation was significantly built by former head coach Shaun Docking. During his tenure, Docking guided the Chanticleers to a remarkable 312-167-56 record at Coastal Carolina University. His overall coaching career spans 29 years, accumulating an impressive record of 332-186-58. The 2023 season marked Docking’s 26th year as head coach for the program, leaving a substantial legacy upon his departure.
The Dynamic Landscape of Collegiate Coaching
The world of collegiate athletics often sees movement and advancement among coaching staff, reflecting the continuous pursuit of growth and new opportunities. This dynamic is evident in other coaching changes associated with Coastal Carolina University. Kyle Russell, who served on CCU’s men’s soccer coaching staff since 2010, was named the head men’s soccer coach at Florida International University. Similarly, Riordan, who previously served as the head coach for Coastal Carolina University’s MCLA D2 competitive club lacrosse team, transitioned to LaGrange College as the new Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach. Such movements highlight the caliber of talent nurtured within the university’s athletic departments, contributing to the broader landscape of South Carolina higher education.
Coastal Carolina University’s Commitment to Holistic Development
Coastal Carolina University demonstrates a strong commitment to its athletic programs as integral components of the student experience. The university offers a wide array of men’s athletic teams, including baseball, basketball, cross country, football (FBS), golf, soccer, tennis, and outdoor track and field. These programs are designed not only for athletic competition but also as platforms for developing leadership, discipline, and personal responsibility among student-athletes. Beyond direct athletic support, the university has seen significant philanthropic contributions, such as a $2 million gift from Loris native Bob Brooks, which marked the largest single gift in the university’s history and supported the football program. This level of support underscores the integral role athletics play within the university’s overall mission and its connection to the surrounding community.
Coastal Carolina University’s decision to appoint Adam Perron reflects a strategic investment in the future of its men’s soccer program and its broader commitment to excellence in all facets of student life. His proven expertise in player development, tactical acumen, and program building aligns with the university’s values of academic rigor and fostering leadership. This new chapter promises to maintain the Chanticleers’ competitive spirit while inspiring student-athletes to achieve their full potential on and off the field.
Readers are encouraged to follow the progress of the Coastal Carolina men’s soccer team and explore the diverse academic and athletic programs offered by the university. Stay updated on Myrtle Beach SC college news and events to engage with the vibrant local higher education community. The continued development of programs like men’s soccer at Coastal Carolina University contributes significantly to South Carolina higher education and its positive impact on the region.
Key Program Statistics and Coaching Highlights
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| New Head Men’s Soccer Coach | Adam Perron |
| Appointment Date | November 2025 |
| Previous Head Coach Tenure (Shaun Docking) | 26 years (2023 season) |
| Shaun Docking’s CCU Record | 312-167-56 |
| CCU Men’s Soccer Program Founded | 1978 |
| CCU Regular-Season Conference Titles | 15 |
| CCU NCAA Tournament Berths | 17 |
| Adam Perron’s Previous Role | Associate Head Coach, University of Virginia (since 2020) |
| Perron’s Record at James Madison (Assistant) | 26-12-6 (2018-2019) |
Frequently Asked Questions About Coastal Carolina Men’s Soccer
Who is the new head men’s soccer coach at Coastal Carolina University?
The new head men’s soccer coach at Coastal Carolina University is Adam Perron. He was appointed to the position in November 2025 by Chance Miller, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and University Recreation.
What is Adam Perron’s coaching background?
Adam Perron previously served as the associate head coach at the University of Virginia since 2020 and as the top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at James Madison University from 2018 to 2019. He also held coaching roles at Southern New Hampshire University, Ohio State University, Colby College, and Utica College.
What achievements did Adam Perron have at his previous coaching positions?
At the University of Virginia, Perron helped develop 10 Major League Soccer draft picks and an All-American selection, with the team making three NCAA Tournament appearances (2022–24) and two Sweet 16 advancements. At James Madison University, his teams achieved a 26-12-6 record, won two Colonial Athletic Association Tournament titles, made back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, and reached the NCAA Quarterfinals in 2018.
Who was the former head men’s soccer coach at Coastal Carolina University?
The former head men’s soccer coach at Coastal Carolina University was Shaun Docking. He coached the Chanticleers for 26 years, through the 2023 season, and achieved a record of 312-167-56 at the university.
What are some historical achievements of the Coastal Carolina men’s soccer program?
The Coastal Carolina men’s soccer program, founded in 1978, has secured 15 regular-season conference championships and earned 17 NCAA Tournament berths. They were also the first Big South Conference team to reach the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 in 2003, with additional Sweet 16 appearances in 1992, 2012, 2013, and 2017.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
