Perez's College Basketball Journey: From Northern Arizona to NC State
The collegiate career of Perez is a testament to growth, resilience, and clutch performance. Spanning three different institutions, her journey saw her evolve from a promising freshman into one of the most decorated players in her conference and a pivotal leader on a national stage.
Early Start at Northern Arizona
Perez began her college career at Northern Arizona, where she immediately established herself as a reliable presence on the court. During her freshman season, she was one of only four players to appear in every single game. She finished the year averaging 10.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, earning the distinction of being the top-scoring freshman in the conference.
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Rise to Dominance at Cal State Fullerton
Following her debut season, Perez transferred to Cal State Fullerton. Due to NCAA transfer rules—regulations governing the movement of student-athletes between institutions—she redshirted during the 2017–2018 season, meaning she practiced with the team but did not compete in games to preserve a year of eligibility.
Breakthrough and Recognition
Returning to the court for the 2018–2019 season, Perez tied for the team lead in scoring with 13.0 points per game, while contributing 5.0 assists and 1.5 steals. Her performance earned her a spot on the All-Big West Honorable Mention Team.
Big West Player of the Year
Perez reached a new peak during her junior season with the Titans. She became a dominant force, increasing her production to 19.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. This exceptional run led to her being named to the Big West First Team and winning the Big West Player of the Year award. This was a historic achievement, as she was the first Titan player to receive this honor since the 1990–91 season.
Elite Competition with NC State
Seeking a new challenge, Perez transferred to NC State to join the Wolfpack. In her first season, she started 23 games and averaged 9.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, earning All-ACC Honorable Mention honors. Her skill as a playmaker was recognized nationally when she was named a Top 10 Finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award, an honor given to the nation's best point guard.
Perez proved her ability to perform under pressure by hitting the game-winning shot in the ACC Tournament Final, securing NC State's second consecutive ACC Title.
The COVID-19 Extension and NCAA Success
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Perez returned for an extra year of eligibility. During this final stretch, she started all 36 games, averaging 8.6 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals. She played a critical role in guiding the Wolfpack to the NCAA Elite Eight.
Her reputation for clutch play continued in the NCAA Tournament. In the Sweet Sixteen matchup against Notre Dame, Perez executed a steal and a layup with only 14 seconds remaining, putting NC State ahead in the final moments of the game.
Key Facts
- Conference Honors: Big West Player of the Year and All-Big West First Team.
- National Recognition: Top 10 Finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award.
- Clutch Moments: Hit the game-winning shot in the ACC Tournament Final.
- Team Success: Helped NC State reach the NCAA Elite Eight.
- Versatility: Played for three different collegiate programs: Northern Arizona, Cal State Fullerton, and NC State.
Career Statistics Summary
| Institution | Key Honors | Avg Points | Avg Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Arizona | Top Scoring Freshman (Conference) | 10.1 | 2.3 |
| Cal State Fullerton | Big West Player of the Year | 19.8 (Junior Year) | 4.2 (Junior Year) |
| NC State | All-ACC Honorable Mention | 9.5 (First Season) | 4.7 (First Season) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Perez redshirt during the 2017–2018 season?
Perez redshirted due to NCAA Transfer rules following her move from Northern Arizona to Cal State Fullerton.
What is the Nancy Lieberman Award?
The Nancy Lieberman Award is a national honor presented to the best point guard in the country.
Which historic milestone did Perez achieve at Cal State Fullerton?
She was the first Titan player to be named the Big West Player of the Year since the 1990–91 season.
How did Perez contribute to NC State's ACC Title?
Perez hit the game-winning shot in the ACC Tournament Final to help the team secure their second straight title.
What was Perez's role in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen against Notre Dame?
With 14 seconds left in the game, Perez recorded a steal and a layup to put NC State in the lead.