The game that led to love

Alums Andrea Perez (BA Sports Business '23) and Javanni Ross (BA Sports Business '23) were struck by Cupid's arrow at an intramural basketball game.

Sometimes, students leave the W. P. Carey School of Business with more than a top-rated education — they find a life partner, too. We call them W. P. Carey Cupids — couples who met at W. P. Carey and are now making lives together.

Despite having the same major, Andrea Perez (BA Sports Business '23) and Javanni Ross (BA Sports Business '23) didn't cross paths until their junior year at an intramural basketball game.

"We quickly became close friends," says Perez. "Our bond was special from the start."

Perez and Ross, who are celebrating three years together this spring, say their shared academic journey provided the perfect foundation for their personal and professional growth.

"Having the support of someone who understands your challenges, celebrates your successes, and pushes you to improve made our experience all the more fulfilling," says Ross.

Though they live in different states — Ross in Los Angeles and Perez in Phoenix — they consider it a "short-distance" relationship compared to couples who are even farther apart. They’re looking forward to the day they can call the same city home.

W. P. Carey News caught up with Perez and Ross to hear more about their journey — from balancing school and a relationship to staying connected with ASU after graduation.

Question: How did you meet and balance a relationship despite your busy schedules?

Answer: As undergraduate students, we were part of a close-knit group of friends who played intramural basketball. We met when Andrea attended a boys' basketball game that Javanni was playing at the Sun Devil Fitness Center. Since we both studied sports business, we walked to classes together, met for meals at the Memorial Union, and studied at the library. Outside school, we scheduled date nights like hiking "A" Mountain, dinner at Tempe Marketplace, and movie nights.

Q: How have you stayed connected to ASU and W. P. Carey?

Andrea: I recently joined the ASU Hispanic Business Alumni Group e-board and mentor individuals with similar passions and interests. I've always wanted to give back to my community, so it's an honor to have the opportunity. As a business development account executive for the Phoenix Suns, I specialize in working with colleges, university programs, and organizations — many of which have been ASU student-run clubs. I've also coordinated social and educational experiences for ASU's ALPFA chapter, the American Marketing Association, and the National Council of Negro Women. It's always a full-circle moment to connect with fellow Sun Devils!

Javanni: I have maintained strong relationships with some of my professors who continue to offer me valuable guidance and support. Their mentorship has been instrumental in my professional growth and I appreciate their time and willingness to share insights or offer advice. I'm also connected to ASU alumni in my industry who I can learn from and share my experiences with. Whether I'm looking to grow professionally or seeking new opportunities, I often find myself turning to my ASU network for support, advice, and inspiration. ASU has had a lasting impact on my journey and I take pride in staying involved with such a dynamic and supportive community.

Q: Where are you two today?

A: We are based in different states and fly back and forth several times each month to visit. Sometimes, we opt for a road trip or travel outside the country. When we are together, we try new restaurants, attend concerts or sports games, and compete against each other in bowling, axe throwing, or board games at Snakes and Lattes. When we aren't in person, we play Monopoly online, have Marvel movie marathons, and go on virtual date nights featuring our favorite foods and drinks. Whether on Facetime or in person, we never run out of things to talk about.

Q: What's your advice for couples meeting at W. P. Carey and dating during college?

A: Live in the moment, soak up every opportunity, try new things together, and be open about your goals. You're only an undergraduate student once and time flies!

Q: What was your favorite place to spend time on campus together?

A: Hayden Library, followed by our occasional stroll down Palm Walk on our way to Shake Smart.

Q: What's your favorite memory you share at ASU?

A: Our favorite memory is graduating together — taking graduation pictures in front of Old Main, having a special dinner with our families, walking across the stage, and taking a photo with Sparky. It was a day we will never forget!

Q: What are you looking forward to?

A: New adventures, moving in together, and building our life as a couple. We are also excited about opportunities to give back to the place that gave us more than we could have ever imagined — each other. ASU and W. P. Carey played pivotal roles in shaping our journeys as individuals and as a couple. We want to pay it forward by supporting students in any way we can.

Q: When did you last visit campus, and what did you do?

A: We attended the ASU vs. UCF football game in November. It was a blast! Through our Sun Devil network, we were able to watch the electrifying game on the field. It's a memory we'll always cherish.

For Perez and Ross, W. P. Carey wasn’t just where they earned their degrees — it’s where they found a lifelong partnership. As they continue to support the Sun Devil community, their story is a testament to the connections and opportunities that begin at ASU and last far beyond graduation.