Every human person has their own story. I myself get emotional when I hear a story about an individual that was not headed in the right direction or had a rough start, but not only turned it around for themselves but also decided to pay it back to the youth. Not everyone gets a second chance, but Coach Rick Perez did. He has been double blessed, first with his own family and secondly with a basketball family. Being blessed is one thing but knowing that you are blessed and being grateful for that blessing is a whole other topic, and Coach P knows very well that he is blessed.
Coach P, as everyone calls him, has been the head coach for the boys’ basketball team for Reading High School since 2012 and previously, he was the assistant coach since 2002. This 41-year-old loves to elevate youth via the sport of basketball and has been coaching since he was just 19 years old. He had a rough start as a teen but pulled through and chose to help other people’s children. Because we know “it takes a village.”
I asked him a few questions, as I wanted our readers to meet Rick, the person as many already know Rick the coach.
PM: Coach Rick Perez, where were you born and raised?
CP: I am 100% a proud Puerto Rican who was born and raised in Reading, Berks County but my parents are from Aguadilla & Rio Piedras Puerto Rico.
PM: Did basketball save your life?
CP: Most certainly, but not just basketball it was really Reading High Basketball that saved my life.
PM: Are you a spiritual man?
CP: Finding God has helped me find my path and purpose and it has helped me revive myself and my career.
PM: What is your Superpower?
CP: My superpower is LOVE.
PM: Who are some of your male mentors?
CP: The late Robert Flowers- Father of my best friends/brothers (Matt “Tuc” Flowers and Robert “Spanky” Flowers- showed me the value of always being present. The late Brian Ellison- RHS Coaching Mentor, introduced me to coaching at 19 years old. Also, the late Zeke Golden- RHS Coaching mentor, was on the first staff I was part of in those days.
Then there is: Dr. Goodhart- Retired Superintendent, Founder of the Reading High Squires Club, and Mentor and Coach Richard Reyes- Head Coach at RHS when I first started, he gave me my first opportunity. Other mentors: Ralph Gonzalez- Father-in-law-, he showed me the value of hard work. And of course, the Flowers/Gilmore family.
PM: Any Family Members to be Recognized?
CP: My mom Wanda Baker- showed me the value of unconditional love and sharing it with others. Jose Perez- my dad- he showed me the value of believing in myself and overcoming all insecurities. Joseph Baker- my stepfather- showed me the value of always taking the “high road”. And last but not least my wife Kristin Perez- my backbone who has been with me step by step thru the journey, my high school sweetheart.
Here is what others had to say about Coach P:
“Coach P has a gift of motivating his players that very few coaches have.” – Wes Butler
“Rick is such a fatherly figure that he treats every kid he comes across with love
& respect.” – Daryll Ellison Sr.
“Coach Perez is more than his wins; he is a caring coach who wants to see his kids be successful on and off the court. He’s created a family atmosphere that instills the heart and soul of the team. Their fight is not just about the score, it’s about being all in for the
City of Reading.” – Crystal Gilmore Harris
For me personally getting to meet Coach P has allowed me to know that this is more than just a game for him just as Crystal stated previously. He has helped develop and foster the growth of many students, mentally, spiritually, and of course physically. He reminds me of Steve Harvey, not only because he loves to dress sharp but also because Mr. Harvey is not embarrassed to talk about being a spiritual man and how he wouldn’t be so successful without GOD in his life.
Coach P has had some notable recruiting during his time as a coach at Reading High School. Such as Lonnie Walker, currently on the LA Lakers, Ruben Rodriguez, Khary Mauras, currently with the Guayanabo Mets, Westley Butler, Moro Osumanu, Aris Rodriguez, Tyree Gibson, and Oenis Medina, currently also with the Guayanabo Mets.
See his information below. Also please continue to support any positive activities that the youth take part in throughout Reading, the county, and beyond because the kids truly are the future.
Info to contact or follow the coach:
Twitter: @coachrickperez
Instagram: the_real_coach_p
www.facebook.com/RhsBasketballSquiresClub
Written by: Rosa J. Parra
Editor and Founder, Palo Magazine
