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 conference's diverse cultures, traditions, and communities.
Raised in a predominantly Hispanic community, Cal Poly softball student-athlete Maya Venegas carries Mexican heritage onto the diamond through Spanish-language walk-up songs and ribbons featuring the colors of the Mexican flag. At Cal Poly, Venegas has embraced the opportunity to proudly share those roots with teammates and the greater campus community.
How do you identify within the diverse Hispanic and Latino communities? What country, region, or cultural background is part of your story?
Venegas — I come from a city with a predominantly Hispanic population. Being Mexican and coming to Cal Poly, which is a predominantly white institution, was scary at first. As my time here went on, I realized I could use the opportunity to embrace and proudly share my culture and roots with people who may not be as familiar with them.
How do you use your sport as a form of expression? What other forms of expression do you gravitate toward?
Venegas — I use my sport as a form of expression through my walk-up songs, which are Spanish songs I grew up listening to and help connect me with my culture. I also represent my culture every game day by wearing ribbons in my hair featuring the colors of the Mexican flag.
What is a favorite celebration, custom, food or tradition that connects you to your Hispanic and Latino heritage?
Venegas — My favorite custom is the closeness I share with my family. No matter how far away from home I may be, familia will always be a huge part of who I am.
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?
Venegas — The message makes me think about how I use my culture to connect with my teammates and other student-athletes, especially when it may be more difficult to form those connections within the larger campus community. My culture allows me to build relationships and share an important part of myself with the people around me.
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?
Venegas — One challenge I have faced as a Latina is feeling that I may not be what people imagine when they envision a female athlete. I have overcome that by allowing myself to fully embrace my culture. Instead of feeling ashamed of who I am, I have learned to take pride in it.
What advice would you give your younger self or another young Hispanic and Latino athlete?
Venegas — I would tell myself to continue working hard because there may be times when you feel you must prove yourself more than others. You may not have the same body type or come from the same background as everyone else, but that is not a setback. It is another reason to work hard, take pride in who you are, and make your dreams come true.
How can college athletic programs better support and represent Hispanic and Latino student-athletes, staff, and their experiences?
Venegas — College athletic programs can create more opportunities to celebrate and represent Hispanic and Latino cultures through themed games and events. For example, programs could host a Día de los Muertos game that allows student-athletes and fans to celebrate the tradition while learning more about its meaning.
Who is a Hispanic or Latino administrator, coach, or athlete you look up to, and why?
Venegas — Our newest assistant coach, Dallas Escobedo Magee, represented the Mexico Women's National Team and competed at the Olympics. I look up to Coach Magee because representing Mexico is a major goal of mine, and I would love the opportunity to follow a similar path one day.
Gallery: (9-26-2026) Maya Venegas CP HHM