Princeton University Athletics
LatinX Heritage Month Feature -- Isabella Garces
October 01, 2024 | General, Women's Soccer, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Princeton Athletics is proud to celebrate the heritage and culture of our Latinx student-athletes during Latinx Heritage Month! As part of this celebration, we will be featuring Q&As with members of Princeton's Latin Athlete Student Organization.
Isabella Garces is a sophomore forward with the women's soccer team. She has appeared in 15 career matches over her two seasons, already contributing a pair of goals this season -- including the game-winner against Miami in the season opener.
How do you celebrate Latinx Heritage Month, and what does it mean to you both personally and professionally?
To me, Latinx Heritage Month is a time to be grateful for my culture and to feel closer to my family, especially the side of my family who live in Panama.
What role have your family and community played in supporting your athletic career?
My family have done everything to ensure that I continue to reach my athletic goals. Growing up I had very big goals; my family, my coaches, and my community always encouraged me to pursue those goals
How do you leverage your platform as an athlete to advocate for or support Latinx communities?
By creating the Latinx Student-Athlete Organization, I feel that we are beginning to use our platform to advocate for Latinx student-athlete representation, and to hopefully make further strides in the future.
What message would you like to share with other Latinx youth who aspire to pursue athletics?
Always be proud of your culture, your family, and your history.
Who is some of Latinx heritage outside your family that you draw inspiration from?
Sophia Vergara inspires me because she is a pioneer in Latina media representation. She consistently speaks for the Latinx community and cultures.
Isabella Garces is a sophomore forward with the women's soccer team. She has appeared in 15 career matches over her two seasons, already contributing a pair of goals this season -- including the game-winner against Miami in the season opener.
How do you celebrate Latinx Heritage Month, and what does it mean to you both personally and professionally?
To me, Latinx Heritage Month is a time to be grateful for my culture and to feel closer to my family, especially the side of my family who live in Panama.
What role have your family and community played in supporting your athletic career?
My family have done everything to ensure that I continue to reach my athletic goals. Growing up I had very big goals; my family, my coaches, and my community always encouraged me to pursue those goals
How do you leverage your platform as an athlete to advocate for or support Latinx communities?
By creating the Latinx Student-Athlete Organization, I feel that we are beginning to use our platform to advocate for Latinx student-athlete representation, and to hopefully make further strides in the future.
What message would you like to share with other Latinx youth who aspire to pursue athletics?
Always be proud of your culture, your family, and your history.
Who is some of Latinx heritage outside your family that you draw inspiration from?
Sophia Vergara inspires me because she is a pioneer in Latina media representation. She consistently speaks for the Latinx community and cultures.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Women's SoccerPrinceton Athletics: Ready for Gameday
Friday, December 19
Princeton Golf -- The Road To St. Andrews
Friday, December 19
The Get Stops Podcast - Dec. 9, 2025
Tuesday, December 09
Hard Cuts | Season 8 - Episode 2
Friday, December 05