Kelly Inouye-Perez is respected and beloved by many in the college softball world. She was the main player in a powerful UCLA Bruins squad. She has turned into a sign of strength, discipline, and reliability as a coach. Over a long career, Inouye-Perez has become known for assembling teams that win titles and helping young players reach the top in softball. Her knowledge and love for softball make her a respected name in the world of NCAA softball. Her achievements helped UCLA become one of the top teams in the country.
Quick Info |
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|---|---|
| Real Name: | Kelly Keiko Inouye-Perez |
| Birth Date: | January 2, 1970 |
| Age (as of 2025): | |
| Birth Place: | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Height: | 5 feet 6 inch |
| Husband | Gerardo Perez |
Early Life
Kelly Inouye-Perez was born on January 2, 1970, in Los Angeles, California, as a member of a Japanese-American family. Being raised by a family that cared about both school and sports helped lay the groundwork for what Kelly achieved later in life. When she was 10 years old, softball entered her life because she wanted to be like her older sister.
Even more remarkable is that she was named an All-Star during her first year and won a championship with her team, which hints at how impressive her future would be. From the beginning, her abilities were clear when she was playing for North Torrance High School in high school. Because of her great athletic skills, top college scouts quickly took notice of her. Her fame was due mainly to her abilities, but it was her focus, leadership, and toughness that would shape the way she played and coached later.
Career
Playing Career
In 1989, Kelly Inouye-Perez began playing catcher for the UCLA Bruins softball team. The Bruins entered a wonderful period thanks to her setting foot in Boston. While at UCLA from 1989 to 1993, she helped the team win three NCAA national championships and finish as runners-up for one. Both on defense and as a leader, she made a big difference for the team.
An operation on her shoulder in 1991 did not stop her from moving forward. After returning, Kelly Inouye-Perez guided UCLA to an outstanding 54-2 season in 1992, ending with another national championship. In addition to playing as a catcher, Kelly, in many ways, encouraged the group, guided strategies, and helped the team thrive.
Coaching Career
Kelly Inouye-Perez started coaching when she graduated from UCLA and joined the Bruins’ staff in 1994. During the next 13 years, she was an assistant coach and then the associate head coach, contributing to three more national titles for UCLA. Her knowledge of the sport, how athletes think, and how teams operate was very valuable.
In 2007, Kelly Inouye-Perez was made the head coach of UCLA’s Bruins softball team, an achievement as she conquered a gender and ethnic barrier in NCAA sports. Since that time, Kelly has maintained UCLA’s record of success. While leading the team, she has helped them make the WCWS numerous times, and they also won the title in 2010 and 2019.
Inouye-Perez’s achievements as head coach are
- Susan has won more than 750 games and has a winning percentage of almost .800
- Won the Pac-12 Coach of the Year award in 2009, 2021, 2023, and 2024
- Leading many Olympians and All-Americans through their careers
- Regularly keeping UCLA among the top ten teams in the NCAA
Learning to adjust to the changing game and motivating players with discipline and strength has been key to her outstanding results.
Personal Life
Kelly is married to Gerardo Perez, who was a baseball player in college and now leads the baseball team at Gahr High School in Cerritos, California. They have a solid relationship thanks to their shared passion for sports and mentoring and raising two kids.
Michael “Mikey” Perez: Being inspired by his parents, Mikey went to UCLA and was picked by the Minnesota Twins in 2021. Kylie Perez is an accomplished athlete and currently plays college soccer at Long Beach State. Despite all her work, Kelly values her family and relies on them for support during her career. You often see her husband and children supporting her and the Bruins at big games.
Social Media
Many of her followers keep up with her on social media, particularly on Twitter at @Coach_Inouye. Her social media pages reflect her coaching values, putting an emphasis on encouragement, motivation, and team spirit. Kelly Inouye-Perez regularly shares highlights from the game and also encouraging words for her players, which shows how the team works and spends time together and shares the achievements of past and present athletes. She acts the same online as she does in real life: focused, positive, and committed to the well-being of her athletes and the whole team.
Kelly Inouye-Perez Net Worth
According to 2025 figures, Kelly Inouye-Perez’s net worth is approximately $5 million. UCLA pays her a high salary as the head softball coach, which is considered a top and demanding job in the world of college sports. She also makes money from sources other than her salary.
