Some families pass down dishes. Others pass down jewelry. De’Sarae Perry passes down basketball.
Following in her father’s footsteps, she took up the sport at the tender age of five. When the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) formed in 1997 and possibilities opened for women, she began to take the game seriously, aiming for a spot in the newly-formed league. When she entered 7th grade, she was playing varsity for Mason County High School.
“I came close,” she said.
A series of concussions forced her to cut the dream short — and pivot.
That was when she met her husband, Mickey Perry, who transferred to the University of Dayton following a season with the Wisconsin Badgers. He met De’Sarae on crutches moving into his apartment building and offered to help her.
“Five years later, we were married,” he said.
De’Sarae earned a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management with a minor in Leadership from the University of Dayton, and she now channels that drive towards coaching youth in both athletics and life.
At home, she supports her three young daughters in their athletic pursuits. The oldest, De’Sire, oscillates between softball and basketball. Middle daughter Rianne is all about gymnastics and the youngest, Promise, is into softball. Alongside her husband, the two spend weekends coordinating various athletic activities. While Mickey may take De’Sire to her softball game, De’Sarae will head to Mason County Intermediate School to coach the Lil’ Lady Royals.
In the classroom at Mason County High School, where De’Sarae works, she focuses on students who might experience barriers to employment. Her programs provide targeted services and education for careers in the trades.
“I wanted more interaction with students,” she said.
The all-time leading scorer for Mason County High School for boys and girls basketball, De’Sarae is the only woman to have her jersey retired. Although she’s proud of that achievement, her sights are set to the future.
“My hope for my family and career is that we hold a legacy that revolves around helping others. My husband and I are always jumping in to help others.”
