Bluejay Softball Inks Erika Perez

OMAHA, Neb. – Creighton softball head coach Krista Wood pushes the 2023 recruiting class to nine with the signing of Erika Perez for the upcoming season.

"Erika is a savvy infielder with a smooth glove that will provide depth to our infield," said Wood. "She is a lefty that brings a big bat and can hit for average and power. She is very knowledgeable about the game and comes from a strong softball family. Her background paired with a strong work ethic will fit right into the Bluejay culture."

A native of Madera, Calif., Perez was a three-time all-conference performer, finishing her career at Madera High School as one of the most decorated athletes in program history. Perez capped off her career ranked second in school history with a .434 career batting average. She also finished her career ranked third in program history for career doubles (29), tied for third in home runs (10), sixth in triples (8), fourth in RBIs (69) and seventh in stolen bases (32).

As a senior, Perez was named the CMAC Offensive Player of the Year after leading the conference with a .425 batting average. In addition, Perez was also named The Madera Tribune's Most Valuable Player and was selected to the All-Area First Team after guiding the Coyotes to a second straight CMAC title.

In 2021, Perez earned First Team All-CMAC and Fresno Bee All-Area honors after recording the second highest single-season batting average (.500) in school-history. She was named The Madera Tribune's Offensive Player of the Year following her break-out season that saw her post a .750 slugging percentage on nine doubles, two triples and a home run.

Perez played club softball for the Central California Dirtdogs and was coached by Sara Pickering. She helped lead her team to a third-place finish at the PGF Premier Nationals in 2019.

Coming from a long line of softball players, the Perez family is no stranger to Nebraska. Erica's aunt, Roni Miller, is currently the head softball coach at York University in York, Neb., while her older sisters, Brianna (2014-15) and Sofia (2021-present), have each played under their aunt at York.

"Nebraska has become a second home for my family," said Perez. "With my sisters and aunt choosing to play and coach in Nebraska, I was able to find my home away from home. Creighton will allow me to play the game I love and to get an outstanding education. The community support and amazing opportunities at Creighton will help prepare me for an incredible future."

Off the field, Perez excelled on the court in both volleyball and basketball. As a senior, Erika was the only athlete in the Madera area to be named to The Madera Tribune's All-Area team in three different sports. She helped the Coyotes basketball team to a CIF Division IV runner-up finish, earning CMAC Honorable Mention honors. Perez is also a member of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and the California Scholarship Federation (CSF).

Perez will join Payton Akers, Maddox Boston, Mikayla Chairez, Ensley Frame, Jordyn Meyer, Natalia Puchino, Sophia Schmeglar and Lily West on the field next season.

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