RECognition: Evalyn Perez, Competitive Sports

Recreation's monthly series to highlight and celebrate our staff

By Shawn Cyr
Assistant Marketing Director

Evalyn Perez has recreation in her genes.

“My dad worked for the recreation department at a small college in Florida,” says Evalyn, whose father oversaw club teams and intramurals at Florida Institute of Technology. “He definitely motivated me to join UCSD's Rec department just because he said the students who worked for him loved their job, and I was hoping for something similar.

“I also had a really strong interest in sports psychology, so being around the whole rec world really fostered this interest,” she says.

Joining Competitive Sports in October of 2024, Evalyn — a second-year psychology major with a specialization in clinical psychology in Seventh College — has been a superlative addition and fast-riser, being elevated to her current role as Supervisor. She oversees Intramural sports games, assists athletic trainers during Sports Clubs events, and manages all Interfraternity Council matchups; she’s the vice president of membership experience for Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.

"Evalyn consistently brings a positive and uplifting presence to the workplace, contributing to an encouraging and productive environment,” says Jonathan Foster, Competitive Sports Director. “She is dependable and supportive of both student‑athletes and colleagues, demonstrating exceptional organization, patience, and relationship‑building.”

Aside from her day-to-day duties, Evalyn’s favorite REC memory so far was the Sports Clubs dodgeball tournament last year. The “fun and silly” competition pitted different teams against each other, and also featured most of the Competitive Sports supervisors and even some Pro Staff members engaging in the action. “It was free food, games, a lot of joking around,” she says. It was the perfect encapsulation of everything Evalyn has come to love about REC.

“My favorite part about working in REC is seeing people do what they love,” says Evalyn. “I was always a huge sports fan growing up, and one of my favorite parts of the culture is just people being excited to do something that they enjoy. It's super fun seeing people be passionate about sports and enjoy playing.” 

Evalyn didn’t play your typical team sports in high school, instead opting for color guard (dance and flag) and track. Nowadays, she likes to run, take dance classes, and explore everything San Diego has to offer.

“I enjoy a good hike,” says Evalyn. “There are so many things to see, and as long as companions are fun, a hike is very exciting. There are lots of really fun ones around, especially some that aren't very challenging.”

Originally from up the coast in Oceanside, Evalyn actually draws her sports rooting interests from her mom, a Seattle native. And business is booming for Seattle sports fans, with the Seahawks winning the Super Bowl and the Mariners nearly making the World Series. Even her non-Washington-based college sports teams are doing well.

“As far as college, my dad is from Texas, so the only sport I really follow at the ICA level is University of Texas Austin football and now, of course, UCSD's teams,” she says. 

Regardless of who she’s rooting for, we’re just happy Evalyn is on our team.