CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Chattanooga Red Wolves SC today announced that Guatemala international goalkeeper Ricardo Jérez will return to CHI Memorial Stadium as a player-coach, pending league and federation approval. The 38-year-old goalkeeper will join Chattanooga's technical staff as goalkeeper coach for both the men's USL League One team and the women's USL W League team, Chattanooga Lady Red Wolves SC.

Jérez made nine starts for the Red Wolves across all competitions a season ago and received a trio of call-ups to the Guatemala national team for Concacaf Gold Cup and Concacaf Nations League play. Jérez, the second-oldest player to appear in a USL League One match at 37 years, five months and 19 days old, would set a new all-time record if he sees this pitch this season.

Prior to coming to the United States in 2023, Jérez's 18-year club career has seen the 'keeper play in Guatemala and Colombia. After developing in the Comunicaciones youth ranks, Jérez began his professional career with Guatemalan side CSD Cobán Imperial in 2005. From there, Jérez spent time with a number of Guatemalan clubs including CSD Municipal, Comunicaciones, CD Jalapa, Universidad SC and Deportivo Marquense between 2005 and 2013.

Between 2013 and 2021, Jérez appeared with Alianza Petrolera FC and Deportivo Cali in Colombia's Categoría Primera A. Jérez returned to Municipal in 2021 before joining the Red Wolves in 2023. In 581 professional appearances for club and country across Guatemala's Liga Nacional, Colombia's Categoría Primera A, Copa Colombia, Concacaf Champions League, Concacaf League, CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana and other competitions, Jérez has averaged 1.14 goals-against average and totaled 193 clean sheets.

The 38-year-old goalkeeper has participated in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Concacaf Gold Cup, Copa Centroamericana and Concacaf Nations League with Guatemala, racking up 62 caps with Los Chapines since his debut in February 2006.

"Ricardo is a great addition to our staff," said Chattanooga Head Coach Scott Mackenzie. "He obviously brings a wealth of experience at domestic and international level and he will bring that knowledge and experience into our club and add tremendous value. More importantly, he is a top person and a great example to others. I'm very excited to continue to work with him."