Princeton University Athletics
LatinX Heritage Month Feature -- Graciela Dominguez
September 20, 2024 | Softball, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Princeton Athletics is proud to celebrate the heritage and culture of our Latinx student-athletes during Latinx Heritage Month from September 15-October 15! As part of this celebration, we will be featuring Q&As with members of Princeton's Latin Athlete Student Organization.
Graciela Dominguez is a sophomore with Princeton's softball team. She appeared in 29 games as a rookie during Princeton's 2024 Ivy League championship season. Before arriving to campus, the Vienna, Va. native had already been selected to play for the Dominican Republic's national team in international competition.
How do you celebrate Latinx Heritage Month, and what does it mean to you both personally and professionally?
Latinx Heritage Month is an opportunity for me to be especially proud of my culture and heritage as Latinx voices and stories are celebrated during this time.
What role have your family and community played in supporting your athletic career?
My family has been my biggest support system, and I wouldn't be where I am today without their love and guidance. They taught me important values like working hard, earning my success, and staying true to myself.
Who is someone of Latinx heritage outside your family that you draw inspiration from, and what about that person inspires you?
Jessica Mendoza, a former softball Olympian, is a source of inspiration for me. She leveraged her athletic experience to build a successful career as an ESPN commentator. Her journey is an example of breaking barriers in a field where Latina women have been historically underrepresented.
How do you leverage your platform as an athlete to advocate for or support Latinx communities?
I was able to connect and collaborate with like-minded individuals to create a community for students from similar cultural backgrounds. Together, we are in the process of establishing LASO, a Latinx student-athlete affinity group on campus.
What message would you like to share with other Latinx youth who aspire to pursue athletics?
Pursuing athletics is a personal journey that involves setting your goals, maintaining overall health, and performing in high pressure situations. It begins with the trust you place in your own talents and abilities.
Graciela Dominguez is a sophomore with Princeton's softball team. She appeared in 29 games as a rookie during Princeton's 2024 Ivy League championship season. Before arriving to campus, the Vienna, Va. native had already been selected to play for the Dominican Republic's national team in international competition.
How do you celebrate Latinx Heritage Month, and what does it mean to you both personally and professionally?
Latinx Heritage Month is an opportunity for me to be especially proud of my culture and heritage as Latinx voices and stories are celebrated during this time.
What role have your family and community played in supporting your athletic career?
My family has been my biggest support system, and I wouldn't be where I am today without their love and guidance. They taught me important values like working hard, earning my success, and staying true to myself.
Who is someone of Latinx heritage outside your family that you draw inspiration from, and what about that person inspires you?
Jessica Mendoza, a former softball Olympian, is a source of inspiration for me. She leveraged her athletic experience to build a successful career as an ESPN commentator. Her journey is an example of breaking barriers in a field where Latina women have been historically underrepresented.
How do you leverage your platform as an athlete to advocate for or support Latinx communities?
I was able to connect and collaborate with like-minded individuals to create a community for students from similar cultural backgrounds. Together, we are in the process of establishing LASO, a Latinx student-athlete affinity group on campus.
What message would you like to share with other Latinx youth who aspire to pursue athletics?
Pursuing athletics is a personal journey that involves setting your goals, maintaining overall health, and performing in high pressure situations. It begins with the trust you place in your own talents and abilities.
Players Mentioned
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