College of the Redwoods announced on Wednesday that the school has named two new head coaches ahead of the 2025/26 school year.

Macy Thomas will take over the volleyball team from Kayla Costello, while Juan Perez will take over the Corsairs’ women’s soccer team from Taylor McMillin-Bianucci.

Thomas joins CR after spending time as a graduate assistant coach at Cal Poly Humboldt, where she developed her skills in strength and conditioning, practice planning and program operations. 

A Denver, Colorado native, Thomas was also a standout student-athlete at CPH, serving as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and leading multiple community engagement projects, including fundraising for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and pediatric cancer awareness initiatives.

“We are extremely excited to bring Macy on board to lead our women’s volleyball program,” CR Athletics Director Bob Brown said in a press release announcing the news.

“In her brief time coaching at Cal Poly Humboldt, she clearly has made a significant impact in student-athlete success and demonstrated the kind of initiative and drive that we believe will fit in great with our department’s philosophy. 

“We look forward to her joining our team and providing her the opportunity to establish and gain experience as a college head coach.”

During her playing career, Thomas competed as a libero/defensive specialist, captaining the Lumberjacks in 2022. 

And she says she is looking forward to the new opportunity.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to step into the role of head volleyball coach at College of the Redwoods,” she said. “This program has so much potential, and I look forward to building a culture of strength, competitiveness, teamwork, and growth both on and off the court. 

“Volleyball has been such a huge part of my life, and I’m excited to use my experiences as both a player and coach to develop our student-athletes.”

Thomas holds both a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on New Venture Management and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Cal Poly Humboldt.

Perez, meanwhile, steps into a head coaching role after serving as an assistant with the CR men’s soccer team.

A Chico State and Cal Poly Humboldt alumnus, Perez brings a strong background in competitive soccer, playing at the collegiate and semi-professional level in the Bay Area. 

Growing up, he played travel soccer in Vallejo, Fairfield, and Vacaville, developing a deep passion for the sport and player development.

“We are thrilled to provide Juan the opportunity to lead our women’s soccer program,” Brown said “In his first year assisting with the men’s program, Juan demonstrated a work ethic, enthusiasm, and leadership style in his communication with team members that we believe will translate well to our women’s program. 

“He has a large task in front of him to recruit and build the depth to establish and sustain the clear vision he has shown in his short time coaching at CR. 

“His playing experience, educational background, and team-building approach will be a great fit in continuing the foundation and growth of the program.”

Perez holds a Master’s in Exercise Science, and, according to the press release, “his experience as both a player and coach will be instrumental in continuing to build a strong women’s program at CR.”

Brown also expressed his gratitude to the college’s previous women’s soccer coaches, McMillin-Bianucci and Tia Graham, for their dedication and resilience in their time leading the team.