During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Michelle Perkins dominated the Seattle youth sports scene. A standout member of Lakeside School’s track and basketball programs, she possessed a skill set that went beyond athleticism. Perkins was the kind of student-athlete who brought out the best in her coaches and teammates — from her tireless work ethic and passion to her inspiring humility and leadership. In the words of her coaches and community, Perkins dominated her craft unpretentiously, serving as a shining example of coachability for younger athletes.

Of course, Perkins’ on-court accomplishments are equally impressive. Five times in her four-year high school career, she steered her squads to State Titles — three times in basketball and twice in track and field. As a track athlete, she notched five Lakeside School records, two of which (shot put and high jump) remain intact today.

Meanwhile, Perkins ended her high school basketball career with a 12-0 record in State Tournament games, despite navigating an assortment of knee injuries along the way. In fact, as a junior, when an ACL injury threatened to derail her sports seasons, she joined the crew team — and promptly took over the power seat on the varsity boat. Following her senior year in 1992, Perkins’ all-around dominance earned her the Seattle Times’ Female Athlete of the Year Award.

After high school, Perkins — who had caught the eye of college recruiters as early as eighth grade — chose to play basketball for the University of Washington. When further ACL issues forced her to make an early career decision, Perkins never faltered, shifting her focus from her teammates on the court to her teammates in her community. Since 1998, she has applied the same grit and empathy she exemplified as a high school athlete to save lives as a member of the Seattle Fire Department.

From fire inspector to paramedic, Perkins has spent more than 20 years risking her own well-being for the lives of others. At the same time, she has used her platform and charisma to become a vocal leader for social justice, providing guest appearances as a speaker and advocate for countless communities. In between rescuing Seattlites and spending time with her husband and two sons, Perkins returns to her alma mater to impact younger generations as a coach for Lakeside’s basketball and track programs.