Maurice Perkins brings a passion for mentorship, leadership, and personal growth to the Atlantic Collegiate Academy football program. Born and raised in Miami, Fla., Coach Perkins developed a love for football at an early age while attending Miami Northwestern High School, where the sport became a driving force in shaping his character and work ethic.
Coach Perkins credits his grandmother, Shirley Jackson, as the most influential person in his life. Raised by his grandmother after his mother gave birth to him at a young age, he learned the importance of resilience, discipline, and perseverance—values that continue to guide his coaching philosophy today.
After graduating from high school, Coach Perkins proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, an experience that further strengthened his commitment to accountability, leadership, and service. He later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Filmmaking and Video Production in 2017 after attending The International Art & Design Institute of Miami, where he discovered a passion for creative storytelling through video and music production.
At Atlantic Collegiate Academy, Coach Perkins serves as both a football and basketball coach. Drawn to the school's public charter model and its commitment to student success, he believes coaching is part of God's plan for his life. His coaching style is direct, honest, disciplined, and rooted in accountability, with an emphasis on helping student-athletes develop into responsible leaders on and off the field.
Rather than focusing on personal accolades, Coach Perkins measures success by the lives he impacts. The most rewarding part of coaching, he says, is witnessing young people achieve great things through dedication, discipline, and hard work. He encourages every athlete to embrace challenges, pursue excellence, and become the best version of themselves.
Outside of coaching, Coach Perkins enjoys reading books on self-improvement and financial literacy, believing that continuous learning is essential to personal and professional growth. He is also the proud father of three children—Kimauri, Jackson, and Taylor—and values the lessons of family, service, and leadership that continue to shape his life.
