Manchester High Graduate Named New Athletic And Activities Director

MANCHESTER, CT — A former Manchester High School basketball standout is returning to the district to lead its athletics and activities programs.

Ashley Perez, a 2012 Manchester High graduate and the school's all-time leading scorer, has been named the new athletic and activities director, Superintendent Matt Geary announced.

Perez scored 2,106 points during her Manchester High basketball career before playing Division I basketball at St. John's University and James Madison University.

She spent the past four years as assistant athletic director at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, VA, where she oversaw daily operations for 18 sports programs. Her responsibilities included event logistics, scheduling, budgeting, coach mentorship and parent relations.

During her tenure at Bishop Ireton, the school's athletic programs won four state championships and a national championship, according to Manchester Public Schools. The school also had dozens of student-athletes commit to collegiate programs each year.

Perez's background includes experience as an athlete, coach, teacher and athletic administrator. She earned a bachelor's degree in communication studies and a master's degree in sport and recreation leadership from James Madison University, where she also worked as an assistant basketball coach and assistant director of operations.

After her college career, Perez played professional basketball in Europe and represented the Puerto Rico National Team.

Perez will succeed Lindsey Boutilier, who has served as Manchester High's athletic director since 2011.

Boutilier will transition next year to focus fully on district operations, an area he has overseen alongside the athletics department since 2020, according to Geary.

Geary thanked Boutilier for his years of leadership in the athletic department and credited the hiring committee for its work in selecting Perez.

The district said Perez's experience includes promoting academic achievement, developing community relationships and supporting the overall development of student-athletes.