Amanda Perak, VP of Recruiting

St. John's University

(312) 624-7412

Sports has been an integral part of my life and has paved a way for me to grow both personally and professionally. In 1927, my grandmother was the second female ever to letter in a sport (swimming) in the Chicago Public Schools. I appreciate that women such as my grandmother contributed to the advancement of women in sports. Through NCSA, I want to continue the growth of not just women in athletics, but everyone. Growing up, I was a part of many team sports: softball, track, basketball and volleyball, and individual sports: equestrian and snowboarding. In high school, I decided to focus on the sport I was most passionate about: basketball. As a Stagg Charger, I received several awards, such as being named to the SICA West First Team All-Conference and Daily Southtown Coca-Cola All-Area Girls Basketball Team in 1999.

I committed to South Suburban College to kick-start my collegiate career where I earned an associate’s degree in science. As a Bulldog, I led my team to back-to-back Region IV Division II Titles and consecutive appearances at the national tournament. I was also named the NJCAA Region IV MVP in 2001. I then transferred to St. John’s University on a DI full-ride scholarship. I was named to the Big East All-Academic Team, and I earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management.

During the spring semester of 2003, I interned with the New York Rangers Hockey Club in their Public Relations Department. College was the most influential time of my life, partly because I accomplished a goal I set for myself as a young child and learned how to preserve through change. Since then, I have been a member of the NCSA team and I have been fortunate enough to affect the lives of thousands of student-athletes in the pursuit of their dreams!