Originally, Elgin’s Dahlia Perez learned about soccer by studying ballet.
Being a ballerina, though, didn’t turn out to be something that was in the cards for her.
“I was actually very bad at it,” said Perez, who in the meantime has turned into a pretty good senior midfielder. “I didn’t think I was much of a dancer or very coordinated to do that.
“I was 5 years old. My dad put the ball at my feet because he grew up playing the game in Mexico. I liked it, and I’ve been playing ever since.”
Perez displayed her grace, toughness and skill Tuesday night for the host Maroons in a 0-0 nonconference tie against Glenbard North.
Nowadays, Perez moves and flows like a dancer but it comes in the context of soccer, anticipating and reading the ball and influencing the flow and shape of her team’s attack.
“I feel like as a midfielder, I really like to be in control of the game,” said Perez, who has scored a team-best four goals and three assists this spring. “I’ve never really played any other position.
“I try to stay calm, possess the ball and never do anything wasted or crazy out there like kicking the ball around. I love the nice, calm, simple game.”
Elgin’s Dahlia Perez (14) takes a shot against Glenbard North’s Kaylee Hesik (10) during an Upstate Eight Conference game in Elgin on Tuesday, April, 9, 2024. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)
Her authority and playing style underscores the makeup and rhythm of the Maroons (2-4-2).
As a two-year captain, she impacts all sides of the game. She also is the ideal mentor for talented freshman forward Michelle Ayala, who has scored three goals and added an assist.
“Dahlia always pushes me to do my best,” Ayala said. “She’s a great leader who has shown me how to fight through every time I press or if I’m dealing with little problems like communication.
“She’s great on the ball. She’s a great passer and always looks for others. I admire her — I want to be like her.”
Elgin coach Alicia Knoll has watched a player in Perez come of age from a shy and uncertain freshman to the acknowledged field general who commands the game for the Maroons.
Elgin’s Dahlia Perez (14) steals the ball from Glenbard North’s Giselle Figueroa Ortiz (7) during an Upstate Eight Conference game in Elgin on Tuesday, April, 9, 2024. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)
“The thing about Dahlia is the fight in her is just great,” Knoll said. “She never quits on a play, and she also shows that to her teammates.
“Her overall attitude is exceptional. She loves to score, she loves her team, and no matter what, she goes very hard.”
Perez shares that dedication with her teammates. Her personality is brash and free flowing.
“I’m pretty loud on the field,” she said. “I try to build up my teammates to play the hardest they are able and push them to play their best. If I am doing that, I have to do my best.
“I can’t tell them to do something I’m not doing myself.”
Perez has taken on overlapping roles of scorer, playmaker and leader for the Maroons, who graduated 12 seniors from last year’s team.
”I’ve been competitive my whole life,” she said. “I have also played high-level club, and that experience has also made me more competitive.
”I don’t like to lose. I don’t think anybody who plays the game does. That is just something that has always been in me.”
Elgin’s Izzie Castro (13) controls the ball against Glenbard North during an Upstate Eight Conference game in Elgin on Tuesday, April, 9, 2024. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)
Perez, an Illinois Wesleyan recruit, generated some Division I and Division II interest for college. She’s an elite student who sought the balance of pursuing a career in nursing and playing competitive soccer.
In giving up ballet, Perez still retained her flair and artistic expression.
That part of her is essential.
“An athlete’s personality always shows when they’re playing,” Perez said. “I like to have the best time that I can at all times. Whether we win, lose or tie, I feel like I left everything on the field.
“That’s what gives me satisfaction.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
