Head soccer coaches named at Midlothian High School

Midlothian ISD has named two new head soccer coaches to lead the next chapter of the highly successful soccer programs at Midlothian High School. Jessica Perez-Woodrum has been selected as the new head boys soccer coach and Adrian Ramirez has been named the new head girls soccer coach.

The leadership transition comes as longtime Midlothian High School soccer coach Austin Guest accepts an opportunity to pursue collegiate coaching opportunities at Hardin-Simmons University. “Austin Guest built one of the premier soccer traditions in Texas high school athletics,” said Midlothian ISD Athletic Director Todd York. “His impact on student-athletes, coaches, families and the Midlothian community is easily recognized. We are grateful for the legacy he leaves behind and excited about the future leadership Coach Perez-Woodrum and Coach Ramirez bring to our programs.”

Guest served as an educator and coach with MISD since 2004 and leaves behind one of the most accomplished coaching careers in Texas high school soccer history. Under Guest’s leadership, the MHS boys and girls teams made 33 playoff appearances in 35 seasons, earned 69 playoff victories and captured UIL boys soccer state championships in 2024. The 2025 girls soccer team also advanced to the UIL 5A State Semifinals. The Panthers also won 23 district championships.

Coach Perez-Woodrum steps into the role of head boys soccer coach after serving as the Panthers assistant coach the past four years helping lead the boys team to the 2024 UIL 5A State Championship. She was named the 2024 Region 1-5A Boys Assistant Coach of the Year and the 2023 Region 1-5A Girls Assistant Coach of the Year. She brings extensive varsity coaching experience at both the boys and girls levels and is known for her leadership, relationship-building and commitment to developing the whole student-athlete.

Rusty Purser, the current MISD assistant athletic director who will transition into the role as AD this summer, says "Coach Perez-Woodrum distinguished herself through her vision for sustaining excellence, her understanding of championship level culture, and her ability to build strong relationships with athletes, parents, coaches, and booster organizations. Specifically, her professionalism, organizational mindset, communication skills, and deep understanding of what is required to maintain and elevate a successful athletic program rose to the top throughout her interview."

“I’m incredibly excited and honored for the opportunity to lead the Midlothian Panthers boys' soccer program,” said Perez-Woodrum. “This community has already meant so much to me, and I’m grateful to continue being part of the MHS soccer culture. Being the first female assistant coach to win a boys soccer state championship in Texas was a special milestone in my career, and I’m excited for the opportunity to now lead this program as head coach. I look forward to building on the success of the program, developing our student-athletes, and continuing to represent Midlothian with pride, accountability, and excellence.”

Coach Ramirez returns to Midlothian after serving as head coach at multiple successful Class 6A programs, including Mansfield, Klein and Klein Cain high schools. He previously served as a varsity assistant coach at MHS for the boys and girls soccer programs and helped lead the Panthers to undefeated district championships and a deep playoff run to the Boys Regional Championship game.

At Mansfield High School, Ramirez led the 6A varsity boys team to two playoff appearances and Area Finalists in 2026. As the Klein High School 6A varsity girls head soccer coach he guided the program to a 54-5-6 overall record, three district championships and multiple regional tournament appearances. He is a three-time District Coach of the Year and was named the 2015-2016 Top Drawer Soccer South Texas Regional Coach of the Year.  

"Coach Ramirez stood out for his authenticity, leadership presence, ability to build meaningful relationships, and passion for developing student athletes,” said Purser. “His experience leading successful programs, combined with his familiarity with Midlothian ISD and commitment to excellence, position him exceptionally well to lead the Midlothian High School Girls Soccer program."  

“I am incredibly humbled and excited to return to Midlothian High School as the Head Girls Soccer Coach. My time at MHS was filled with some of the best friendships and soccer moments of my career and I consider myself fortunate for the opportunity to lead this program. Lady Panther soccer has a storied history of success, on and off the pitch, and I feel a strong sense of obligation to build on that legacy. I can’t wait to get to work! #PantherPride”

Both coaches were introduced to their respective programs during team meetings on May 15 and will begin leading the teams this summer as preparations begin for the upcoming season.