WILKES-BARRE, PA (May 16, 2025) -- As the conclusion of the Spring 2025 semester draws nearer, the King's College wrestling team announces a coaching staff transition as Head Coach Christian Mazzocchi will shift to Associate Head Coach, and Assistant Coach Aaron Perez will assume the role of Head Coach.

In his time as head coach from 2023 to 2025, Mazzocchi led the Monarchs to their best dual meet record in 2023-24 in the last 14 seasons as they went 9-6 with six individuals achieving podium finishes at the 2024 MAC Championships meet. This feat was duplicated this past season with a 12-9 overall dual meet record as well as at the 2025 MAC Championships with another six podium finishes along with two bronze medalists in Jacob Hachtmann and Frankie Theroux. The 2025 season also saw three individuals place on the podium at the 2025 NCAA Southeast Regional Championships.

Mazzocchi finishes his career as Head Coach with a 21-15 overall dual meet record and will enter year 16 as a member of the King's wrestling coaching staff in the 2025-26 season.

"We as a program and College are excited to have someone to take over as full time head coach," said Mazzocchi. "This was part of the plan when I took over two years ago. I am excited to remain on staff in a new role as Associate Head Coach. This new role allows me to spend more time with my family and focus on my careers outside of wrestling, while still remaining a part of a program I have been with for the past 15 years. I fully entrust Aaron to continue what we have sustained over the past few years. I'd like to thank Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Cheryl Ish for everything she has done for myself and this program. Go Monarchs."

Perez transitions into his first full-time collegiate head coaching role in 2025-26. He spent this past season as the full-time assistant coach for the Monarchs and played a major role in recruiting student-athletes, providing academic advisement, assisting with technique, and organizing practices. He also worked to elevate the King's wrestling social media presence and enhance fundraising efforts.

Prior to King's, Perez coached at Freedom High School where he produced the program's first California State Champion along with multiple state medalists, state qualifiers, regional champions, and various other local honors. He also served as Club Director of the Golden State Wrestling Club while in California, coordinating and coaching at USA Wrestling events at the local, state, and national level.

A 2015 graduate of King's College, Perez was a thee-year starter for the Monarchs in the 125 and 133 weight classes.