WASHINGTON – The Gallaudet University Athletics Department would like to recognize some of our Latin-American student-athletes during National Hispanic Heritage Month. It is important for us as a University and Athletics Department to celebrate what makes our student-athletes and campus unique.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is held from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to acknowledge and celebrate the history and diverse cultures of the American Latino community. In 1968, it was known as Hispanic Heritage Week and was later extended to “Hispanic Heritage Month” under President Ronald Reagan’s term in 1988. This month allows our country to show its acknowledgement and raise awareness to support the work of Latinos who help this country grow. Gallaudet University athletics department is more than happy to spotlight some of our student-athletes in our Latino/a/x community.
The Gallaudet Athletics’ National Hispanic Heritage Month spotlight was created by Sports Information graduate assistant Jacklyn Zacarias, a proud Mexican-Native American who hails from Los Angeles, Calif. Zacarias interviewed and gathered information from our selected Latinx student-athletes. Her goal is to share a bit of background history and culture, along with a picture (taken by Zacarias) of each student-athlete in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Freshman Mallory Garcia is a first-year student-athlete on the Gallaudet women’s volleyball team. Garcia, is a Physical Education and Recreation major and is expected to graduate in May 2025.
In My Own Words: Mallory Garcia
What is your Hispanic Background?
MG: My Hispanic background is a first generation American-Mexican on my father’s side. My mother is also Mexican-American.
Did the location or where you grew up have any influence on you and what it meant to be a Mexican?
MG: I grew up in Texas, which of course borders Mexico. This means I had the BEST food growing up, Tejano music (aka Selena) and the culture in general.
Why is National Hispanic Heritage Month important to you?
MG: National Hispanic Heritage Month is important to me because it shows how much we have accomplished. Not only my family, but Mexicans as a whole.
What is this object you brought and what is the meaning behind it?
MG: The object I brought to represent me is my Mexico flag. It represents my heritage, tajin, candy and awesome food!
What is your favorite Hispanic dish?
MG: This is a HARD question!! My mom’s flats and quesadilla are my favorite…
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