Senior Rachel Amerine has been a long time star for girls’ basketball at Perry. Since her freshman year, Amarine has been on the varsity team. Throughout her lady puma history, Amerine relies on her hard work, dedication and great defensive play.

Surprisingly, Amerine has not been playing basketball long. “I started playing basketball in eighth grade and I didn’t really care about it. Then in freshman year, I started to like it and got moved up to varsity from freshman,”Amerine states.

This puts the 6 foot senior at only five years of experience. Even though Amerine has not been playing her whole life; she says basketball is her passion. “[Basketball] is my passion because I love the game and it’s the best sport I have ever played.”

Despite the love she has for basketball, Amerine also participates in cross country and track. She has been a great tribute to both teams over the past few years. Amerine says that running is one of her favorite hobbies.

Most senior athletes are starting to look into colleges and the story is the same with Amerine. Her athletic ability has caught the eye of many college coaches.“There are a lot of colleges [that are looking at me], but I want to go California State University, Monterey Bay,” says Amerine.

Besides having great athletic ability, Amerine has outstanding leadership skills, allowing her personality to be recognized by everyone. “Rachel is a great leader,” said fellow senior teammate Eryn Ruiz.

“She is the nicest person you would ever meet.”

Amerine and her senior teammates want to leave behind a piece of themselves in Perry history. “My goals are to graduate knowing us seniors left a legacy and I want people to remember us as changing the program for the better,”said Amerine.

The team opened the season with a win against Queen Creek in the Turkey Shootout and a win in their home opener against Westwood. These games mark Coach Kearsley’s first wins as head coach.