Amaya Perez: Balancing Act

Amaya Perez epitomizes the modern-day student-athlete, where every spare moment is a chance to excel academically and physically. Not only does Perez lead classes at Fit Body Boot Camp (FBBC) in what seldom free time she has, she also balances homework, practicing and training as part of her busy schedule.

“Sometimes, I have to make sacrifices, but I am proud of myself for juggling my job, school and practice. What I am doing now is preparing me for the real world.”

Perez, a sophomore guard on the women’s basketball team, studies special education and is passionate about how she spends her time, but she never forgets to have fun. In fact, she adds it to her coaching curriculum for her training workouts at FBBC in Wichita. A few of Perez’s clients support her by attending her basketball games.

Susan Washburn, a client at FBBC, attended Perez’s homecoming game on Feb. 29.

“I was so grateful to be able to support Amaya,” Washburn said.

“It is such a small thing compared to all she does for me and all of us. She makes every person around her feel that love and happiness.” Perez’s positivity has been shaped by multiple people in her life.

“My mom is my best friend — no one comes close to that woman, and my nana is my world.”

Additionally, Perez attributes her basketball success to her Amateur Athletic Union coach Joel Hannigan and Newman coach Amy Briggs, who built Perez’s confidence and helped her score five times more points and more than twice as many rebounds during the 2023-24 season.