As the new school year kicks off, familiar and fresh faces populate Rosary’s campus. This year, Rosary alumna Amanda Perez ’14 could not stay too far away from Rosary’s iconic yellow gates. As she returns to the comfortable routine of a Royal, she takes on the new position as the Learning Strategies teacher and JV tennis coach. Let’s get to know Ms. Perez.

Q: Why have you decided to return to Rosary after graduating?

A: I decided to come back to Rosary because it has always felt like home to me. Rosary is the place where my friends and I could really be ourselves and where I have formed lifelong friendships. I was always one of those alums who came back and visited Rosary when I could; just ask Senorita Ray and Senora Kappe! Also, having helped run the UC Davis tennis club, I knew I wasn’t ready to give up tennis from my life completely, so I’m grateful Coach Debbie has welcomed me back with open arms to help coach the program.

Q: What college did you go to? What did you major in?

A: I went to a few different colleges, actually. I got a tennis scholarship to play at St. Joseph’s College in Indiana, but I decided to return home and play tennis at Mt. Sac in my second year of college. I ultimately transferred to UC Davis and got my degree in Animal Science with a minor in Spanish.

Q: What sparked your passion for helping others on the courts and in the classroom?

A: I have always lived by the motto: “Treat others the way you would want to be treated,” and I feel like that has helped shape my passion for helping others in any way I can. I was never the strongest student or athlete, but I made my dreams of playing in college and going to a UC a reality. I want to help show others you can do anything you set your mind to. You don’t have to be the best to be a successful person, both in the classroom and on the courts.

Q: How did you find your love for tennis?

A: I didn’t pick up a racquet until I was about 10-years-old and didn’t return to the sport until my freshman year of high school. Playing multiple sports growing up, I realized that tennis was the only one I could play for hours every day and not get tired of it. I knew I did not want to give it up that easily, which is what pursued my passion to get a scholarship to play in college. I love watching the Opens on television with my mom, and we even went to the Southern California Open in 2013, where I got to meet my favorite player, Victoria Azarenka!

Q: What was your favorite memory at Rosary?

A: Definitely every Red and Gold! It was so fun, and it was always a great opportunity to meet people in other classes that you may have never talked to before. I also got to participate in drill, which I would have never gotten the chance to do otherwise.

Q: What is your favorite move and why?

A: My favorite movie is “Bridesmaids” because Melissa McCarthy is hilarious, and I would have definitely helped her character take all the puppies from the bridal shower.

Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

A: My favorite animal is a cow, and I am a huge fan of the “Bachelor”/”Bachelorette!”

Rosary is so lucky to have such a great addition to the staff! Welcome back, Ms. Perez!