In Their Own Words: Destinee Manzo

Being born in the U.S. while navigating my family's immigrant culture has helped shape me into the person I am today. As a first-generation Latina, there are no words to express my gratitude towards my family as we enter Hispanic Heritage Month. My grandparents left their country and language to provide a better future for my father and the rest of his siblings. Although my parents didn't overcome the odds in pursuit of higher education, their sacrifices as well as my grandparents' allowed me to drive in my education and sport leading me to my journey at UCI.

From a very young age, my grandpa used to dream of playing professional soccer in Mexico. When he came to the states he had to work and put his dreams on the back burner. While growing up he taught me a real love for the game and that my dreams were completely within reach. I started pursuing his desire to play professional soccer simply because he gave it up for me years before I was even born. They came here to make a life for their family and because of that sacrifice, I get to live out my dream.

Soccer to my grandpa was a lifestyle growing up in Michoacan, Mexico. The role of soccer in our culture is more than a sport. Its cultural significance impacted our family as it revolved around our lives so frequently. We would come together and throw parties simply because the Mexican National Team would have a game. Here in America soccer served as a bridge for Hispanics, like my grandpa to stay connected to home. This built a sense of pride for myself while succeeding in my career.

On February 25, 2020, I stepped foot on a field in the Dominican Republic and represented the under-20 Mexican National Team. The pride that I felt the second I stepped on that field was indescribable. Putting the Mexico jersey on with my last name not only meant that I was representing my entire family but meant that any little girl who dreams of representing something bigger than herself can and will.