YouTube
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and this year’s theme, “Together, We Are More,” The Big West is highlighting the student-athletes and staff who proudly represent the diverse cultures, traditions, and communities that make up the conference. 

For Cal State Fullerton women’s tennis student-athlete Maria Paula Ramos, Guatemalan heritage and the support of loved ones at home provide motivation in every practice. The junior from Guatemala City, Guatemala, joined the Titans after two seasons at Utah State and has played tennis since age eight. Ramos was also the No. 1-ranked under-18 women’s tennis player in Guatemala City. 

From celebrating with Guatemalan food and traditions to drawing inspiration from fellow Latino student-athletes at Cal State Fullerton, Ramos sees culture as a source of connection, pride, and perseverance. 

---

How do you identify within the diverse Hispanic and Latino communities? What country, region, or cultural background is part of your story? 

---

Ramos — “I am from Guatemala City, Guatemala. Knowing that so many people are supporting me at home is an important part of my story.” 

---

How do you use your sport as a form of expression? What other forms of expression do you gravitate toward? 

---

Ramos — “I express myself by giving everything of me every practice, because I know there is a bunch of people supporting me at home.” 

---

What is a favorite celebration, custom, food, or tradition that connects you to your Hispanic and Latino heritage? 

---

Ramos — “I like the way we celebrate in high school with Guatemalan food and traditional customs.” 

---

This year's theme is "Together, We Are More." What does that message mean to you, and how have you experienced the power of togetherness within your family, team, or community? 

---

Ramos — “Together, as Latinos, we are a family, and we are more. That’s what it means to me.”

---

What advice would you give your younger self or another young Hispanic and Latino athlete? 

---

Ramos — “To push and push and never give up, because dreams come true.”    

---

How can college athletic programs better support and represent Hispanic and Latino student-athletes, staff, and their experiences? 

---

Ramos — "Maybe by letting the student-athletes know all the support an athletic department can give to our culture. It will inspire us all and make us feel seen.” 
 

---

Who is a Hispanic or Latino administrator, coach, or athlete you look up to, and why? 

---

Ramos — “All my Latino friends who are student-athletes at Cal State Fullerton are my inspiration.”