Athletes reflect on identity during Latine Heritage Month
Mariana Elizondo, Mexico Sport: Soccer, Year: Senior
What is your culture? “My family is from Mexico. I was born and raised in Monterrey.”
What does it mean to you to be Latine? “For me, being Latina means coming from a place with a rich and vibrant culture. It means having a family that taught me deep values, traditions and pride and instilled in me a huge appreciation for the importance of family. It’s about celebrating our heritage while carrying those traditions with me in everything I do.”
Favorite Dish: “My favorite dishes are tacos al pastor and ceviche. They both remind me of home, especially the flavorful and fresh ingredients we use in Mexican cuisine.”
Something you love about your culture: “Something I love about my culture is how welcoming and warm people are. No matter where you go, you’re always greeted with a smile. Family plays a huge role in our culture, and it’s what brings us close to one another. My favorite festivity is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), where we celebrate the lives of those who have passed away. Instead of viewing their deaths as something sad, we use this time to honor their memories by doing the things they loved and remembering their legacy.”
How does your heritage play a role in your life as a student-athlete? “The values I was raised with, like hard work, respect and humility, influence my daily interactions with peers, professors and teammates. On the field, I try to incorporate the technical and strategic style of play that is common in Mexican soccer, focusing on precision rather than just speed or strength.”
Gabriela Quintero, Puerto Rico Sport: Soccer, Year: Senior
What does it mean to you to be Puerto Rican? “To me, being Puerto Rican means having an unmatched zest for life. My culture is full of passion, love and unmatched levels of joy; I am proud of my heritage. I am so grateful that my parents continued to cultivate my connection with the island and its community.”
Favorite Dish: “This is such a hard question because it is all so delicious. If I had to choose, I would say tostones and mofongo are my favorite sides, and pernil and pasteles are my favorite dishes during the holidays.”
Spanish or No Spanish? “I speak it fluently and was very much raised on Spanish music. I have such a love for reggaeton, but I also adore classic salsa. Spanish music has an energy that I personally think is unmatched. If you never have listened to these genres before, you should try them. You won’t regret it.”
What is something Rice fans should know about your culture? “That we have the best food, period point blank.”
How does your heritage play a role in your life as a student-athlete? “I live my life in a way that is based on my cultural values, and this influences my discipline and devotion to sports.”
Jackson Moran, Puerto Rico & Ecuador Sport: Cross Country, Year: Senior
What does it mean to you to be Latine? “To me, it means that I belong to a rich cultural background that includes aspects of colonial and indigenous ways of life.”
Favorite Dish: “My favorite dish is definitely empanadas of all kinds, they’re a staple of pretty much any Latin American cuisine.”
Spanish or No Spanish? “I don’t speak Spanish well, but my abuelita primarily communicates with me in Spanish, so I can understand it pretty decently.”
What is something Rice fans should know about your culture? “Rice fans should know that it is a culture that really values celebration, loud music and energy.”
How does your heritage play a role in your life as a student-athlete? “I have always looked up to good Hispanic athletes including the 1500m record holder at Rice who was born in Mexico and ran for their national team at multiple World Championships. He also holds their national record in the event. I also often eat cultural staple foods before I compete and for my entire high school and much of my college career my go-to race prep meal was simple rice and lentils which is something my abuelita would make for us often.”
Stephanie Gutierrez, Mexico Sport: Volleyball, Year: Sophomore
What does it mean to you to be Latine/Hispanic? “Being Hispanic means having pride in our culture, simply by embracing our culture by eating the many amazing foods we offer and listening to Mariachi or Tejano music. Also valuing family over anything and having a strong work ethic towards anything we do in life.”
What is something Rice fans should know about your culture? “The Hispanic and Latino culture is built on loyalty, whether that [is] loyalty to our culture, our friends and especially our family. We are hard workers who don’t want things given to us, but rather earned. We have amazing traditions such as Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), amazing food like pozole and conchitas, music like mariachi, salsa and bachata. We take pride in our culture and embrace and celebrate our culture in day-to-day life.”
How does your heritage play a role in your life as a student-athlete?
“My Hispanic culture of having a strong work ethic has influenced the way I approach anything in life, especially in my sport. I work hard everyday, wanting to improve and get better. If I want to get better at a certain skill, I will keep working on that skill, until I perfect it. I put my 100% on and off the court, whether that is getting extra reps, watching film, stretching, eating a balanced diet and taking supplement or vitamins.”
Elijah Mojarro, Mexico Sport: Football Year: Graduate Student
Where is your family from? “I have Central Mexico and Baja California roots from my mother’s side of the family.”
What does it mean to you to be Latine? “It’s a strong part of my identity, and I am proud of that. I think of the values that were instilled in me by my mother and grandparents and how that has shaped me as an athlete, student and as a man. Being a man of faith, always striving for growth in all aspects of life, strength and perseverance are a few that come to mind.”
Favorite Dish: Chilaquiles.
Spanish or No Spanish? “Spanglish, definitely not a ‘no sabo’ kid but don’t speak it as well as I want to.”
What is something Rice fans should know about your culture? “The importance of family. I come from a large family that is extremely tight-knit. I grew up very close to all my cousins and spent tons of time with them and my grandparents.”
How does your heritage play a role in your life as a student-athlete? “The sacrifice of my grandparents and those before them who paved the foundation for me to be able to have the opportunities today. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their efforts.”
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