UST Junior Growling Tigresses star guard Riri Perez was named among the UAAP Season 88 Athletes of the Year following a stellar campaign in the girls’ basketball tournament.
Perez joined Far Eastern University-Diliman’s Wilhalm Cabonillas (boys’ basketball) and Ruelle Canino (girls’ chess) among the awardees in the high school category.
University of the Philippines’ Charles Lobitana (men’s football), Adamson University’s Mae Langga (women’s softball) and University of the East’s Queen Dalmacio (women’s fencing) were recognized as Athletes of the Year in the seniors’ division.
Perez led the Junior Growling Tigresses to the championship in the girls’ 5-on-5 tournament, where she was also named Most Valuable Player.
After winning Rookie of the Year honors in Season 87, the Iloilo native captured the MVP award after averaging 14.17 points, 10.83 rebounds and 6.5 assists across six games. She also earned a place on the Elite Team.
Perez guided UST to its second straight girls’ basketball title after defeating the National University-Nazareth School (NUNS) Lady Bullpups in the finals on March 22.
In August 2025, Perez also made waves internationally after representing the Philippines in Jordan Brand’s “The One” Global Finals in New York City, a one-on-one tournament featuring top high school players from around the world.
Meanwhile, UST Growling Tigress Kent Pastrana and Junior Lady Judoka Zkeanna Valdez were named Athlete Scholars for UST, an honor recognizing excellence in both academics and sports.
