Get To Know Your Rising Seniors: Amanda Perez
May 16, 2017 | Women's Soccer
This spring, we asked each of our rising seniors a few questions in order to get to know them a little better. Today we spoke with Amanda Perez, who has rejoined the team on the field this past spring, after missing the 2016 season with an injury. The midfielder has already played in 55 career games as a Husky, scoring six goals and recording five assists. Perez has also seen extensive action with the Mexican Women's National Team, most recently joining the team during the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada.
What would you do on a free Saturday here around the city?
It definitely depends on the season, but I generally like to go get some good coffee, hit up the farmer's market and then hangout with friends somewhere outside if it's nice.
Where is your favorite place to eat here in Seattle and why?
Uneeda Burger! It's just a great place for friends to grab some quality burgers, fries, and maybe even a milkshake. It's fun and always hits the spot!
What is your major?
Sociology and Communications.
What has been your favorite part about living the college life?
I think just living with my friends and teammates. I'm definitely a homebody so I love being able to stay home, listen to music, and play board games—like Settlers of Catan.
Least favorite?
Having to buy my own toiletries and laundry detergent. Ever time I have to restock on all that stuff I miss home just a little bit more.
If you could matchup with anyone in the world for a PK right now just for fun, who would it be and why?
Italy and Juve's No. 1, Gianluigi Buffon. He's a legend and I love his passion for the game. To go against a player like that, maybe even score, that would be incredible.
Compared to your expectations you had when you first arrived on campus, what has been the most surprising thing about your time at Washington to you?
I think how much I value my academics. I came to UW knowing that it was a great university but really just wanting to play soccer. Since being here, and being surrounding by so many great student-athletes, I've really grown to appreciate and enjoy what I'm studying. I get excited about school, and this had a lot to do with the people I was surrounded by. I guess I'm mostly pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy the balance between school and soccer, even though it still might not always be that even.
Amy is in goal and Lesle is shooting on a PK or free kick, who comes out on top?
I'm a fifth-year, I've been here long enough to know not to answer this.
What is the most crucial thing you've learned on the soccer field since you've been here?
Hmm, this is a hard one. When I first came to college I was in complete shock of all the different styles and types of players playing soccer on the same team. I always had an idea of what the "right way" to play soccer was, and to be thrown into an environment where my way wasn't always the "right way" threw me for a loop.
At first I struggled with this, but soon with A LOT of effort, from a lot of people, I began to learn how to read what the game was giving me, and how best to play in it. I learned that on the soccer field one of the most crucial things is to learn how to become comfortable being uncomfortable.
What do you want to do once you graduate?
Play soccer and hopefully get into coaching.
If you could go back in time, what is one piece of advice you would give to yourself as an incoming freshman?
I would tell myself that doing the little things right every day end up making the biggest differences. That big goals don't necessarily require grand gestures. That sometimes, a commitment to make small changes that eventually turn into habits, are the best ways to accomplish those bigger goals. (I'd also tell myself that on March 31, 2017 just call it a day and sit out of the last five minutes of practice. Our knees will be better off kid).
