When new Desert Oasis softball coach Vanessa Alvarado first noticed Alissa Perkins’ prosthetic left leg, she told the freshman not to feel obligated to do everything in practice.
Sun Standout Awards 2024
Perkins could skip directions or opt out of drills, “if there’s anything you can’t do,” Alvarado told her.
That wouldn’t be necessary, Perkins responded.
“I’ll figure it out,” she said.
The 14-year-old has more than figured out how to contribute in sports despite having undergone amputation surgery at 9 months old after being born missing her left tibia. She’s emerged as one of the most gifted athletes on the Desert Oasis campus at a young age.
Perkins might have been the best hitter on the Diamondbacks’ roster, helping guide the team to the state tournament. She was named the Most Valuable Player of the freshman volleyball team months after trying the sport for the first time. In basketball, she was voted the Lady Diamondback Award winner for having the best work ethic and commitment to team on the junior varsity squad.
Perkins is also eyeing the 2028 Paralympic Games after setting national paralympic records in discus, javelin, long jump, shot put and archery.
Breakthrough Performance is a new category at the Sun Standout Awards created after receiving an all-time inspirational and impressive nomination for Perkins.
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