JEFF FIELDER Editor
MITCHELL – Natasha Perez, a senior at Mitchell High School, is this week’s Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance Female Athlete of the Week. Perez is one of the top sprinters in the state. She’s competed at the state meet each of the last three years, and she’s looking to qualify for the Best in the West Classic for the fourth straight year. Perez recently signed a letter of intent to compete in track and field at Doane University. She plans to major in biology. Her parents are Marie and Fernando Perez.
Q: How exciting is it to know that you’ll be able to keep competing in college?
PEREZ: “It’s super exciting. This is something that I’ve been working on for the past three years. It’s even more exciting than I thought it was going to be. It really hit me during the press conference [for her signing]. I was kind of walking through the motions until I was actually there and I was signing my letter of intent. It really hit me that it’s happening – everything I’ve worked hard for is going to happen.”
Q: What factors led to you picking Doane?
PEREZ: “I had visited their campus, and I was able to work with the coaches on the sprint team, and it was amazing. We clicked really well. I also fell in love with their [academic] programs. The field of study that I want to go into is amazing there. Their pre-med program is fantastic. They really care about your success academically more than your athletic success, so that was the biggest selling point for me.”
Q: How has this track and field season been going for you? Editor’s note: Mitchell has had a couple meets cancelled, and the Tigers’ first meet is Thursday, April 4, at home.
PEREZ: “It’s been a little rough [because of the cancellations and weather], but I’m excited for the season. We have some really good athletes on the team, and everybody has been working hard. Personally, I think I’m going to do better this year than I did last year. I’m excited to see what will happen this season.”
Q: What are your goals this season?
PEREZ: “My goals are to be able to get PR’s in the 200 and 400, and my ultimate goal is to make it to state again. But we’re going to take it one week at a time and try to stay healthy throughout the season.”
Q: What events are you doing this season?
PEREZ: “I’ll be doing the 200, 400, 4×100 relay, and 4×400 relay.”
Q: How do you feel going into this season compared to previous track and field seasons?
PEREZ: “I’m more confident this year, and I know I’m a lot stronger than I was last year.”
Q: How long have you been involved with track?
PEREZ: “I’ve been in track since seventh grade.”
Q: Did you get involved in sprint events right away?
PEREZ: “Yes, I did, and I’ve continued to do sprints in track. When I was a freshman and a sophomore, I ran cross country, but I realized that I was just a sprinter. [laughs]”
Q: Have you lived in Mitchell your whole life?
PEREZ: “No, I actually lived in Morrill from when I was in kindergarten through sixth grade and part of seventh grade, and then I transferred to Mitchell.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed living and going to school in Mitchell?
PEREZ: “I’ve enjoyed it a ton. Everyone is so supportive, and everyone focuses hard on both [school activities] and academics. I like that. It’s a great environment to be in. In the community, everyone supports the students no matter what the activity is.”
Q: What other activities are you involved with at Mitchell High School?
PEREZ: “I did cheerleading for two years, and I’m also involved in National Honor Society.”
Q: Are you kind of sad that your high school career is winding down?
PEREZ: “A little bit. I’m a little sad to see it come to an end because I’ve had a lot of fun here, but I’m also looking forward to experiencing some new things at Doane.”
Q: Outside of school activities, what do you enjoy doing?
PEREZ: “I like to paint, and I like to be outdoors. I love fishing.”
Q: Where’s your favorite place to go fishing?
PEREZ: “It’s hard to choose. I go with my friends to a lot of places, so it’s hard to pick a favorite one.”
Q: What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now?
PEREZ: “Hopefully, I’ll be almost done with my schooling and almost to my goal of being a pediatrician.”
Q: What is your favorite class?
PEREZ: “Anatomy.”
Q: Which teacher has made the biggest influence in your life?
PEREZ: “My Spanish teacher [Liliana Rada]. She’s been super supportive. I went through a time when I was a freshman where we had a lot of things happening in our family and we had a lot of loss and a lot of obstacles to go through, and she was always there for me. She was always the one to motivate me and has always been there anytime I’ve needed someone to talk to.”
Q: What’s the coolest place to hang out in Mitchell?
PEREZ: “A lot of kids like to go to Scottsbluff and do the cruising thing. That’s about it.”
Q: Do you like to go cruising, too?
PEREZ: “I pretty much stay at home. I do a lot of studying and working. I have a few friends who are out of high school, so I’ll go hang out with them sometimes. Really, I’m not too much of an exciting person. [laughs]”
Q: Do you work?
PEREZ: “Yes, I work at The Nile Theatre in Mitchell. I’ve been working there since my sophomore year. I do a lot of things there. I help run the concession area, and I help with the ticket booth. I also help change the letters [on the outside board].”
Q: Is that an exciting job?
PEREZ: “Yes, it’s a great job. I’m really happy I got it. The managers are amazing to work with. I love them. It’s a super positive environment. Everyone is always excited to see each other, and we all love interacting with the customers.”
Q: Do you like to watch a lot of movies yourself?
PEREZ: “Kind of.”
Q: What’s the best movie you’ve ever watched?
PEREZ: “I’m in to old movies. The best movie I’ve watched is ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s.’”
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
PEREZ: “I do. I have three brothers: Anthony Perez, 24; Christian Perez, 20; and Kadin Perez, 16 [sophmore at Mitchell].”
For all your insurance needs, visit The Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance, located at 1012 Ave. I in Scottsbluff, or call 308-632-8598.
