Solo sophomore “sets” up future for flower business
Danae Perkey, the sole sophomore on the Riverhawk volleyball team, is traveling the unconventional path to success. She may not go on to play volleyball at a university like many college athletes strive toward, but she’s OK with that. Perkey has a different definition of fulfillment—owning her own flower shop.
A sophomore athletically yet a freshman academically, Perkey’s plan is to finish her AAOT at Lane Community College next year. Though Lane has many sports programs, volleyball is missing. “I have not heard of any [volleyball] clubs but I will look into it when I get there,” Perkey said.
After Lane, Perkey plans to transfer to the University of Oregon to major in business. "I dream of opening a flower shop where I make bouquets and sell jewelry or scarfs. I want to own my own little store someday," said Perkey. The idea of being able to have something to call her own excites her.
Perkey started playing volleyball in third grade and continued playing the sport she loves through high school and into college. Before coming to Umpqua, Perkey played for New Hope Christian College for one year. Unfortunately, the college is not accredited so her credits were nontransferable. Furthermore, she felt little connection academically.
Perkey decided to try playing at Umpqua. "I had been seriously considering Umpqua for three years now, since back when Jimmy was coaching," Perkey said. Jimmy Munoz was head coach at Umpqua during the 2010 and 2011 volleyball seasons. Munoz showed interest in Perkey after she had sent him game film and participated in open gym that year.
However, life for the potential player and prominent coach went in opposite directions. “I wanted to play for him and I really liked Umpqua. But he got a job somewhere else and I got an offer from New Hope where my sister was playing so I went there,” Perkey said.
Dorian Perkey, who is two years older than Danae, played basketball for New Hope and also played volleyball when Danae attended. “It was funny because the announcer at New Hope would often say ‘Perkey passes to Perkey who sets Perkey for the kill.’” Overall, Perkey enjoyed the experience of playing college volleyball with her sister. “We had a lot of fun and I knew I could always count on her.”
The Riverhawk setter’s season highlight was the overall level of team play. Perkey notes that she has never had the chance to play at the speed her team was capable of this year. "It made the game that much better."
Perkey stood at the top of the leader board in sets this year at Umpqua with 349 assists and had the more assists per game than any other NWAACC Southern region setter. She was also number one in service aces and third overall in kill percentage for the Riverhawks. Perkey had 131 digs as a setter, second only to defensive specialist Elysha Lang.
Aside from volleyball, Perkey enjoys reading mystery books and watching TV shows like Bones and Castle. She says she does admit to liking Vampire Diaries and Twilight as well.
As for what awaits her in the future, Perkey seems to embrace the unknown with joy. "In five years I hope to be happily married with a business degree and about to start a family in a small town," Perkey said.
Work hard and have no regrets. That’s the advice Pereky would pass on to any aspiring Riverhawk volleyball player. “Give it all you have and leave it all on the floor because you will only regret the things you should have done.”