When an athlete steps onto the field or court, they have to be ready to play and compete. But there is more than just playing the game. In most cases each athlete has something that motivates them, driving them to work hard and become the best that they can be.

Aziah Perez is a golfer for Sapulpa High School, and she says that helping her family is what keeps her competing at a high level.

“Wanting better for myself plays a big role in motivating me,” Perez said. “I promised my mom when I got older, I would buy her a G-Wagon and that also motivated me to be able to give back to my family who supports me so much.”

As a golfer, the course is usually the toughest opponent that Perez faces during competition, but she says that there is someone else that she really enjoys beating.

“There is no opponent I like beating more than myself,” she stated. “I always try to shoot better than the last tournament or shoot a better score at the same course.”

Like most kids her age, Aziah enjoys following various people and celebrities on social media. Out of the millions of accounts out there, she says that there is one that she considers the best.

“My favorite social media account is breezygolf on Instagram,” she said. “They always post relatable golf memes that make me feel better when I have a bad round. It lets me know I’m not alone.”

Throughout her athletic career Perez has had her share of ups and downs. But she says that becoming the athlete she is today has required a lot from her.

“It’s taken a lot of practice and hard work to become successful,” she said. “It is not something that happens overnight. My dad is the main person who helps me when my swing is off, and we also go to the range and practice until I get it figured out. I’ll watch the pros and try to mimic their swing when mine is off.”

Along with athletics, Perez is also a member of the Native American Student Association (NASA) as well as the National Honor Society.