National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15, recognizing the contributions, culture, and history of Hispanic and Latino Americans. The celebration begins on September 15, a date tied to the independence of several Latin American nations—including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and aligns with key milestones such as Mexico’s independence on September 16, Chile’s on September 18, and Belize’s on September 21.
Across the conference, Hispanic/Latino student-athletes excel both on the field and in the classroom, reflecting a 70% increase in NCAA participation over the past decade. The Big West is home to ten Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): Cal Poly, Cal State Bakersfield, Cal State Fullerton, CSUN, Long Beach State, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Barbara. These campuses embody the conference’s commitment to access and opportunity for Hispanic students and communities.
Member schools host special events, educational programs, and community outreach throughout the month to honor the rich traditions, artistic expressions, and achievements of Hispanic and Latino communities. By showcasing the diverse backgrounds of its athletes, coaches, and staff, The Big West promotes inclusivity, unity, and a deeper appreciation of the vibrant heritage that strengthens both sports and education.
Today, we spotlight Maya Chocano and Maria Mejia of UC Riverside women’s basketball, who shared a bit more about their backgrounds and culture, and also talked about what it means to be a Hispanic student-athlete.
How has your Hispanic/Latino heritage shaped who you are as a person and as an athlete?
Mejia- It’s made me proud of where I come from and taught me to work hard and stay resilient. I carry that pride and determination with me on the court.
Can you share a family tradition or cultural value that’s especially meaningful to you?
Mejia- Family meals are really important to us. No matter how busy life gets, we always come together, and it reminds me to value unity and support.
Who in your family or community has been a key role model for you, and why?
Mejia- My parents are my biggest role models. They’ve shown me what resilience looks like and pushed me to keep working hard no matter what.
How has your cultural background influenced your approach to teamwork or leadership on the court?
Mejia- In my culture, family comes first, and I bring that to my team. I try to support my teammates like family and make sure everyone feels included and loved.
Are there Hispanic or Latina athletes you looked up to while growing up?
Chocano - As a Peruvian, I’ve always looked up to Sofía Mulánovich. She made history as the first South American to win a world surfing title, and the pride she carried in representing Peru on the global stage really inspired me. Her success showed me that athletes from our culture can compete, and win, at the highest level, and I try to carry that same pride every time I step on the court.
Mejia- Yes, Horacio Llamas. He was the first Mexican player in the NBA, and I actually got to meet him when I was younger. His work ethic inspired me a lot
What does representing both your school and your heritage mean to you when you step on the court?
Mejia- It means everything. I feel like I’m playing for my community, not just myself, but for a whole lot of people that I have to make proud. So I always give it my all.
How do you balance academics, athletics, and staying connected to your culture?
Mejia- I try to manage my time well and make space for family and traditions. Staying connected to my culture helps keep me grounded.
Have you found ways to share or celebrate your heritage with teammates or the campus community?
Chocano - Yes, definitely. I’ve been lucky to have other Hispanic teammates, and we always find ways to connect over our culture. Even though we come from different backgrounds (Peruvian, Mexican, and Spanish) we can all relate to the language, the traditions, and that sense of pride in where we come from. It’s special to be able to share and compare our cultures, and it creates a bond that makes our team feel even more like family.
Mejia- Yes, I like sharing food and music with my teammates. On campus I try to join in cultural events and represent my heritage proudly.
Why is Hispanic Heritage Month important to you personally?
Mejia- It’s a chance to honor our history and celebrate the sacrifices that have been made. It reminds me to be proud of my roots and inspire others as much as I can.
What message would you like to share with younger Hispanic girls who dream of playing college basketball?
Mejia- Believe in yourself and don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong. Your culture is your strength, so keep working hard and chasing your dream.
How can fans and teammates be better allies and celebrate Hispanic culture year-round?
Mejia- By being open to learning and supporting. Whether it’s joining events, asking questions, or just showing respect, it all makes a difference.