Amanda Perez: Representing Mexico
UW sophomore midfielder Amanda Perez had a busy summer playing in the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada, something she had dreamt about since her older sister and former UW women’s soccer standout, Veronica, returned from her first camp with Mexican National Team program in 2009.
As Veronica described her experience to her family and then 15 year-old sister, Amanda had a vision of where she wanted her future to go.
“I remember just looking at her and thinking, ‘I want to be doing what you’re doing. I really want to be in that position,’” Amanda said. “I talked to her about how cool it would be if we could play together. “
“She told me that if I really wanted this, I had to put in the work. After that, I decided that soccer was what I wanted to do. I wanted to put everything into it.”
In 2010, Veronica Perez was set to make her first appearance with the Mexican Women’s National Team against the U.S. in a game played in San Diego. By coincidence, Amanda, who hadn’t seen her sister for more than six months, was playing in a club tournament in San Diego at the same time. Veronica wanted to watch Amanda play in her club tournament, and the Mexican National Team coaches told her she could go as long as she was chaperoned. The coaches decided to go with Veronica to the tournament.
“She called me and told me she was coming to my game, which I was really excited about, and then she said, ‘Oh by the way, the National Team coaches are coming too,’” Amanda said. “She said to me, ‘This isn’t an official tryout, but they’re going to be there. This is an opportunity. Take it.’”
After watching her play, the National Team coaches approached Amanda and told her they were happy they had come and thought she would fit well in the Mexican National Team program. She was invited to her first camp, which turned out to be the tryouts for the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Trinidad & Tobago.
“I love that story because it just shows, I wasn’t even supposed to really be on the team, but I’m lucky Veronica helped me get that chance,” Amanda said. “I’m thankful that she is so good at soccer.”
Amanda performed well at the tryout and earned a spot on the team, appearing in all three group stage matches, recording one assist.
Though she was still part of the U-17 pool, Amanda was called up to play with the U-20 team at the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan to gain experience and be a leader for the next group of U-20s. She played in one of the four matches as Mexico lost in the quarterfinals to Nigeria.
This past summer, Amanda returned as a veteran leader with her team to the U-20 World Cup, this time in Canada.
“My favorite part was definitely the first game,” Perez said. “All the hard work, and it’s not just the camps right before, it’s all the years you put into it. Going to my first game and being able to play and really take everything I’ve learned from all those years and all those players that I’ve played with, that was my favorite part.”
The squad failed to advance past the group stage, but Amanda brought many lessons with her from the memorable experience.
“To date, it was probably my best soccer experience,” Perez said. “I think it really helped me mature as a player. It’s a very competitive environment but at the same time you have to be part of the team. I became a better teammate, which is really emphasized at UW. We’re not a single player – we’re a team.“
UW head coach Lesle Gallimore has seen how Amanda’s time with the Mexican National Teams has helped her improve as a player and teammate.
“Her time with Mexico has allowed her to really keep soccer at the forefront,” Gallimore said. “She has played a lot of soccer at a high level of competition, and that’s been really good for her. Everyone needs someone like Amanda on their team. She’s got a great soccer I.Q. She’s a great teammate, very outgoing. She understands that there’s a time to be a little bit more serious and a little bit more focused. “
Though her development as a soccer player has been a major benefit, Amanda notes that her heritage is a big reason for her dedication to the National Teams. A San Mateo, Calif., native, her mother was born in Mexico and her father, though raised in the U.S., was born to Mexican parents.
“I’m really proud to represent Mexico,” Amanda said. “My mom has always instilled a really strong pride and passion for Mexico within me and all of my sisters. Every time I get the chance to play for Mexico, it’s something I’m really honored to do because I know a lot of girls don’t have that opportunity.”
Amanda has now aged out of the U-20s and is in the full National Team pool. She has yet to attend a camp, but has a bright future in the program and is looking forward to suiting up for Mexico again.
“Putting on the jersey and hearing the national anthem, I get goose bumps every single time. I am a very emotional and passionate person, especially about soccer. I’m just really lucky and blessed and I notice that.”