Editor’s note: The Times-News will be featuring area student-athletes, one male and one female each time, for their work on the playing field, the classroom and their communities.
Edgar Perez
Edgar Carbajal Perez, 17, is a junior soccer standout at Southeast Alamance High School. He is the captain of the soccer team, was named to the all-conference, all-district and all-state teams and was the conference offensive player of the year.
Perez said he has been playing soccer since he was 5.
“My dad was good, and got me in to it. He pushes me to the max every day,” Perez said.
It is that connection with his father, as well as the rest of his family and friends, that motivates him on and off the pitch.
“I’m so thankful for my parents. My dad comes to every game, and my mom comes to every home game. They are always so supportive of me,” he said.
Perez also hones his soccer skills on a travel team, Carolina Velocity FC, that he has played with for three years.
“I train with them three times a week, and it definitely benefits my play. We travel to New York, Virginia, South Carolina, Atlanta and a lot of other places to play,” he said.
Southeast Alamance head soccer coach Jackson Brooks said that Perez is humble but accomplished.
“This season he had 39 goals and 17 assists and is the team captain. The guys all look up to him. We started five freshmen, and Edgar, through his work ethic and leadership, was a role model for all of them,” he said. “Normally, your best player has the worst attitude, but with Edgar, that couldn’t be further from the truth. He inspires our guys on and off the field.”
When he’s not training or scoring goals, Perez said that his favorite subject in school is English because he just enjoys reading. He also helps with his father’s electrical business.
“When I do have free time, I like to hang out with my friends, watch movies and take care of my younger brother,” he said.
After graduation, Perez said, he would like to stay close to home and plans to enroll and play soccer at Guilford College.
Ava Duggins
Ava Duggins, 17, is a junior volleyball and softball player at Southern Alamance High School, where she has a 4.4 grade-point average, was Southern’s female athlete of the year and was named to the all-conference team.
In addition to her athletic and academic accomplishments, Duggins is on the Student Council, the Unified Patriots and the Link Crew, a group that helps freshman acclimate to high school life.
“I’m a people person. The opportunities that Southern offers has helped me so much,” she said.
Although she is a homerun-hitting softball player, she said that volleyball is her favorite sport.
“My mom taught me the game at a young age. It’s quicker and faster. I played with my sister a few times and enjoyed it,” she said. “I am so thankful for my family. My parents and my sister have helped me so much. My sister is my role model.”
Southeast Athletic Director Stephanie Smith called Duggins “just a ball of sunshine.”
“She’s a great teammate and really competitive. She does a lot to make sure others do their best job. She pushes and helps others to be better,” Smith said.
On and off the court, Duggins said, she just wants to do the best that she can.
“You always have to do your best and have a great attitude. Let your efforts reflect who you are. It’s not always about winning,” she said. “I don’t want to let myself, my family or my teammates down,” she said.
Duggins recently injured her ankle and was on crutches and wearing a walking boot.
“I’ve hurt my ankle a few times, but I won’t stay off it. I want to play,” Duggins said.
When she’s not working hard at athletics or in the classroom, Duggins said, she likes hanging out with her friends and shopping.
“I also like to bake cupcakes, cakes and cookies for my friends,” she said.
After graduation, she wants to go to a four-year university, but she hasn’t decided on a major or whether to continue playing sports.