FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 7th, 2026

Portland, Ore.| Warner Pacific Knights Athletics is proud to announce the hiring of Jeffrey Perrault as the ninth head coach for the Women's Basketball Program.

Bringing a unique blend of military precision, academic rigor, and a heart for transformational leadership, Coach Perrault is set to lead the Knights into a new era centered on character, growth, and the pursuit of excellence on and off the court.

"I am really happy about our new women's basketball coach," Athletic Director Matt Gregg said. "Jeff and I have had several talks and we share the same vision for this team which is to build relationships and compete in everything we do. Also, having him here as a professor will help in building relationships since he will be on campus constantly. Jeff is a very experienced coach and that piece is great but his love for this institution is what makes him the perfect addition to the athletic department."

A Journey from Heidelberg to the Hardwood
Coach Perrault's story begins in Heidelberg, Germany, born into a multi-cultural military family of Colombian and American descent. This global upbringing shaped a leader who is as comfortable in a classroom as he is in the film room. A fluent Spanish speaker with a conversational grasp of German, Perrault's playing career saw him compete across Southern California and later for regional Army teams and the 4th and 5th German leagues while stationed overseas.

Service, Leadership, and Expertise
Before his tenure in collegiate athletics, Perrault served as a Commissioned Infantry Officer (Captain) in the United States Army. Leading units of up to 1,200 personnel, he mastered the art of operational planning and personnel and leadership development—skills he now applies to the basketball court. His professional coaching resume spans 20+ years and includes:
Professional Leadership: Former General Manager and Head Coach of the Vancouver Volcanoes (TBL). Positive Coaching Alliance trainer since 2017.
Academic Excellence: Bachelor's degree in international business from the University of Montana and master's degree in physical education from Azusa Pacific University. Current Assistant Professor and Assistant Faculty Chair at WPU, teaching across 21 different subject matters.
Scholarly Pursuit: Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Sports Leadership and Management at Concordia University Chicago to further bridge the gap between theory and athletic practice.
The "Coach P" Philosophy: Mudita and the 3 F's
To Coach Perrault, basketball is more than a game; it is a vehicle to inspire growth and build confidence. His "Process over Results" approach is built on a foundation he calls the 3 Fs: Firm, Fair, and Fun. Enthusiasm and industriousness are our cornerstones with a deeds not words approach.
"I don't pay much attention to the scoreboard; my focus is on player development and learning the tough life lessons that sports naturally teach us," Perrault shares. "At our core is Mudita—the practice of delighting in other people's happiness and well-being. We are moving from transactional to transformational coaching."
Players in the Knights program can expect a culture of high expectations, deep connection where standards remain constant even when conditions change while guided by the R.O.O.T.S. system: Respect for Rules, Officials, Opponents, Teammates, and most importantly Self.

Beyond the Sidelines
When he is not in the gym or the lecture hall, Coach Perrault embraces a life of adventure. He is a "dog daddy" to Dexter and enjoys traveling with his wife in their 1990 VW Westphalia Van. Whether he is playing guitar, hitting the pickleball court, soaking in hot springs or camping, he carries an "attitude of servitude" into every interaction.

A Vision for the Knights
Coach Perrault is excited to integrate his diverse background into the WPU mission.
"What excites me about coaching at Warner Pacific is the opportunity to mentor student-athletes academically, athletically, and personally within a Christ-centered mission. These are our players' 'glory days,' and we are here to make sure every interaction is a memory worth keeping."