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That’s when she found wrestling in the sixth grade.

“I played softball for a really long time and the reason I stuck with wrestling was because I liked how individual it was,� she said. “So, it all mattered on how you did just by yourself on the mat, it didn’t matter if you won or lost because your teammates weren’t doing good, it was solely on your hard work and dedication.�

She was forced to take a brief break from wrestling in the eighth grade when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, but she jumped back into the sport when she began high school in Sahuarita.

Perez has spent the last four years of her high school career focusing on becoming the best wrestler she can be.

Her coach, Ralph Lopez, says her improvements over the years are evident. He’s seen her become more confident on the mat including in her shots and takedowns. And her record has grown to 22-4.

Her hard work finally paid off last season when she took home the state title in the Division II 107-pound weight class at the AIA Girls Wrestling State Championship.

Now, Perez says she’s going for the title once again to wrap up her time as a Mustang.

The AIA state sectionals occurred earlier this month and Perez took home first place in her division in the 114-pound weight class. The win marked her first and final time as a sectional champ.

Around 30 teams competed in the sectional tournament with the hopes of making it to the state championship later this month. Sahuarita only had two wrestlers competing and ended up taking seventh place as a team.

This season, Sahuarita girls wrestling was plagued with injuries.

But, Perez didn’t let the team injuries discourage her from enjoying her final season.

“This season is pretty fun,� she said. “Unfortunately, we’ve lost a few girls, but me and one of the other seniors are still going at it, but it’s been fun. It’s been a fun last ride.�

After she graduates in May, Perez is heading up to Nebraska where she will attend Hastings College to wrestle and study exercise science. She plans to get a master’s degree and become a dietitian who works with athletes, especially wrestlers.

Perez discovered this nutritional purpose after her sophomore year at the Fargo wrestling tournament. At the time, she was having difficulty cutting weight to get back into her usual 107-pound weight class.

“I remember going 117 and just getting my butt kicked,� she said. “I only won one match and I remember being so upset with myself. And all of the girls at Fargo had cut a lot. So, I had it in my mind that I was going to figure out how to cut the correct way because a lot of people don’t understand that a lot of wrestlers actually aren’t taught the correct way to cut. And it’s really sad, just because of the way we cut without knowing the right ways and the mental effects and physical effects it has on your body.�

After the wrestling invitational in Fargo, Perez decided to see a nutritionist herself to learn how to cut safely.

As the weight began to fall off, she found herself helping her teammates learn how to cut correctly, too.

“I just had such a passion for it because a lot of wrestlers struggle with eating disorders, with not only binge-eating, but they essentially starve themselves for such a long period of time and then after, they just binge eat,� she said. “And I’ve even met some wrestlers that make themselves throw up after they eat just to make weight. And I just don’t think that’s healthy and it’s a real issue in the sport that not a lot of people talk about.�

Perez’s thoughtful and caring attitude is just a part of who she is.

She’s always looking out for her teammates, her mom, her siblings, her bearded dragon named Maui and others around her.

“Just seeing the progression from when she started to where she’s at now and then committing into a college to wrestle and all that has been rewarding,� Lopez said. “Because that’s your main goal as a coach, is to get a kid to that next level and to become a good product of society, be a good student, be a good kid, be a good spouse, be a good employee. That’s the goal.�

Perez is an example of that.

Outside of wrestling, Perez participates in high school swim, track and field and JROTC. But she never strays too far from wrestling.

In her free time, she helps coach wrestling to kids in hopes of helping the next generation of wrestlers reach their full potential.

While her high school wrestling career is coming to a close, she says she’s excited about the next step at Hastings and for one last ride at the state tournament.

“With any match, I’ve always gotten nervous,� she said. “But my great grandpa used to tell me, ‘It’s just because you care so much, that’s why you get nervous.’ And so I still feel those nerves, even though it’s been so long, but I’m also just super excited to go out there one last time.�

Fast five with Sarah

Who is your favorite wrestler?

Sarah Hildebrandt.

What is your go-to wrestling move?

A slide by. That’s my bread and butter.

What music is on your “get hyped� playlist?

Korn, Metallica, Disturbed and System of a Down.

What is your pre-match must-have snack or drink?

A Dutch Bros spotlight rebel energy drink.

What is your current favorite class?

Film and TV.