Desert Oasis High School softball player Alissa Perkins is not your average athlete. At just 14 years old, she has already overcome incredible odds to become one of the best hitters on her team and a standout player in her community.
Born missing her left fibula, Alissa had her left leg amputated below the knee as an infant. Despite this early setback, she has never let her disability hold her back. In fact, she thrives on the softball field, where she excels as a hitter and pitcher.
During a recent game, Alissa demonstrated her resilience and determination in the face of adversity. When a wild pitch hit her prosthetic leg, causing a loud thud that reverberated throughout the ballpark, she simply shrugged it off and jogged to first base. Her coach, Vanessa Alvarado, recalls Alissa’s nonchalant response: “I didn’t feel it.”
Alissa’s incredible story has not gone unnoticed. She will receive the Breakthrough Performance award at the upcoming Sun Standout Awards, which honor the best high school athletes in the region. Despite facing numerous surgeries and challenges throughout her young life, Alissa remains determined to pursue her passion for sports.
Her mother, Tara Perkins, describes Alissa as a relentless competitor who never gives up. Whether she’s playing softball, basketball, or volleyball, Alissa approaches each game with a positive attitude and a fierce determination to succeed.
As she looks ahead to the future, Alissa dreams of playing college softball and competing in the Paralympic Games. Her story serves as an inspiration to her teammates, coaches, and community members, who admire her strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her sport.