(Tempe, AZ) Hispanic Heritage Month is a time where Hispanic student-athletes are able to celebrate their families and honor the family members that came before them. The families who’ve helped them along their journey to ASU and support them no matter what. For each person, the definition of family can mean something different. For example, if you grew up in a Hispanic family, there was always a family friend referred to as tío and tía, who had no relation to the family. As we celebrate Hispanic student-athletes this month, we asked them what family meant to them.
Yanni and Yannixa Acuña (Salpointe Catholic High School)
Yannira Acuña’s family is roaming the outfield with her at Farrington Stadium. Her sister, Yannixa, is a freshman in softball and the two will get to play one year together as Yanni enters her last season as a Sun Devil.
“I’m excited. We’ve always talked about playing with each other. We’re both very competitive, and we both are lefty and play in the outfield,” Yanni said.
On the other side out of the outfield, Yannixa is excited to get the chance to play with her role model.
“My sister has always set such a high standard and she is truly my role model. She has carved the path for my younger sister and me to follow. I am excited to learn more about how she does things on the field. She is a big inspiration to not only myself but as well to everyone else and the younger generation.”
Jackie Vasquez-Lapan has become another influence in Acuña’s life, who has helped her and Yannixa throughout their journey.
“When the coach introduced me to Yanni, it was like, it couldn’t have been a better match. We’re literally family to her and her two sisters. It was special seeing her and hearing her story and how similar it was to mine. She’s a first generation [to go to college], from South Tucson, and her parents are mostly Spanish speaking, it was just such a natural fit.”
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Marco Salas
