Advancing Opportunities and Conquering Goals The grind of being a college athlete for the last four years has prepared Ivan Perez ’23 for life beyond the University of Pikeville. He recently completed a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and is currently working toward his Master’s in Business Administration in Healthcare Management through the Coleman College of Business while serving as a graduate assistant for the men’s soccer team. Throughout his time at the university, Perez learned how to balance life through soccer practices and class, giving him the tools he needed to succeed as a scholar and a student-athlete.
“Soccer, or fútbol as I call it, has always been an outlet to help me to clear my mind and has given me my best friends. It paved a road for my aspirations and molded me into the person I am today,” said Perez. “I chose UPIKE because I thought it would be the perfect place with the best environment to study and focus simultaneously.” The North Carolina native serves as a defender for the men’s soccer team and is a member of the National Honor Society. During his undergraduate years, he received the Mid-South Conference All-Academic award for maintaining a high grade point average as a student-athlete and was active in the biomedical sciences club.
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UPIKE MAGAZINE | FALL/WINTER 2023
“Playing soccer is one of the biggest blessings I have ever been gifted,” said Perez. “Nothing is better than waking up daily to ball out, work out and build the healthiest version of yourself, all while pursuing a degree.”
Those years did not come without some obstacles. In 2022, he suffered from an injury that set him back 13 months without playing soccer. “Coming back from my injury was one of the greatest mental battles I have had to overcome. It taught me the importance of staying persistent and understanding that life doesn’t always follow your planned path,” said Perez. “You must find joy in your path and take advantage of the lessons you learn along the way.” The relationships he has gained while being a student are some of the most important to him, but he credits his parents for catalyzing his success.
“My parents gave up everything to give me the life they were not fortunate enough to have, and that motivates me every day to conquer the goals I set for myself,” said Perez. He continues to thrive in the positive environment fostered at UPIKE and aspires to attend medical school after earning his MBA next year.
By Stacey Walters
