Ygnazio

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

For my son, baseball has opened the door to opportunities such as breaking language barriers and building connections on and off the field. Baseball has helped my son overcome various challenges, including difficulty socializing with peers and anxiety; he has found a sense of belonging and purpose while being part of a team. He has expressed that what he loves most about his sport is the camaraderie with teammates and bond he is able to share with his grandpa.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

My child wrote an essay once, explaining why he wanted to play baseball, and it was all about his grandpa. Growing up in Mexico, his grandpa was known in his town as a talented baseball player and often coached other players, sharing his knowledge of the game. My child has not only learned the technical aspect of the game from his papa, but by understanding his grandpa's story, he has learned the importance of hard work, gratitude, and the value of sharing one's talents with others.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

My son has been personally inspiring to me because, despite the challenges he faces, having been bullied, being extremely shy, and, as an autistic kid struggling with social skills, he continues to show up, participate, and give his all. A moment in his athletic journey I admire was seeing him take on a leadership role and rally his teammates. He has developed a sense of confidence and self-worth that extends beyond the field, which I see as confirmation of his growth and potential.