Hispanic Heritage Month Q&A: Chargers men’s soccer player Diego Soto Reyes
BY ERIN JACKSON
GALESBURG — A native of Roatan, Honduras, Diego Soto Reyes is in his second year as a member of the Sandburg men's soccer team. The Chargers' tri-captain sat down with sandburgchargers.com to discuss the importance of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place Sept. 15-Oct. 15, both on campus and throughout the U.S.
What has your experience been like growing up within the Hispanic community?
My country and other Hispanic countries have some of the best experiences. In Honduras, it's all about the culture, the food and the people. We also don't have as strong of an infrastructure as here, so coming to the U.S. was a huge adjustment.
What's an example of how the culture here is different than it is for you back home?
There are many cultural differences. One example is that in Honduras, we hug people when we meet them, but here, it is not common. When I came to the U.S., I had to face these challenges by myself.
What's a cultural value that is important to you? Are there any traditions that your family has passed down?
Appreciating what you have is a cultural value that we share in Honduras. There are traditions that my family does, but I don't do them in the U.S. A tradition my family follows is Semana Santa or Holy Week, which it's called here. The way my family celebrates it in Honduras as Catholics is very different than how it's celebrated here.
How does soccer impact the Hispanic community and culture?
I tell everyone that soccer is the greatest sport in the world because in Honduras, soccer is our passion. It isn't about just going to games. Soccer includes friends, family and community. The sport is a way of living. It connects us with different countries and players from all around the world like here at Sandburg. (The Chargers' roster includes players from seven countries: Brazil, Germany, Great Britain, Honduras, the Netherlands, Spain and the U.S.)
Are there any Hispanic athletes or figures who inspire you? How have they impacted your journey?
My favorite Honduran player is Luis Palma, who plays for the Honduras national team and the Celtic Football Club in Scotland. My favorite international player is Lionel Messi, who is from Argentina and plays for their national team. They both influenced me to become a better player.
How do you think Hispanic Heritage Month contributes to greater awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures on campus?
There have been many times when I introduce myself to someone and tell them I'm from Honduras. The next time they see me, they instantly think I'm from Mexico. By celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, we can teach other about the different countries in the Hispanic community.
What opportunities do you and other students have in your native country?
I had the privilege to go to a bilingual school, where I learned English. Honduras doesn't have a lot of opportunities, so when I got the chance to come to Sandburg, it was almost like breaking a barrier that most kids can't.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about Hispanic culture?
I want people to know not all Hispanic countries are dangerous. Of course, there are some areas, but most places are beautiful and historic. There are Mayan ruins, beaches and my hometown, Roatan, is a tourist attraction.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
It means we have to take advantage of teaching people not just from the U.S. but from other countries as well. By sharing the importance of our cultures, foods and traditions, people from non-Hispanic communities can see the significance of learning about Hispanic Heritage Month.
If you were to send a message back to Honduras for young people or your parents, what would you say?
To the children back home, I want them to know they can do it. If I came to the United States and played soccer at the college level, they could too. It's important to give every kid a chance and help them achieve their goals like my parents did. Without my parents, I would not be where I am today, and I love them for always being by my side along the journey.