US Lacrosse is happy to join in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15-Oct. 15 and recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history and culture of the United States.
Across the country, Americans with Hispanic Heritage are picking up lacrosse sticks and falling in love with this game. For some, the connections made through lacrosse have brought them closer to their heritage, as more and more Hispanic countries adopt the game and participate in international competitions.
From youth players to those in the professional ranks, Hispanic Americans are a crucial part of the lacrosse community — and each person has a unique story to tell. In partnership with Lacrosse the Nations, we will highlight proud Hispanic Americans in the game of lacrosse and their family stories on our social media platforms.
We are grateful for you. We support you. You help make this sport special. Te estamos agradecidos. Te apoyamos. Ayudas a que este deporte sea especial.
Marcela (Mo) Gaitán
Heritage: Colombian
Location: Pottstown, Pa.
Title: Head Coach and Associate Athletic Director, The Hill School; Member of the Colombian National Team
College: St. Cloud State (Minn.)
What is your heritage?
I identify as Hispanic, Latina, and Colombian, but for the purpose of this message and the state of our world, not all Colombians are Hispanics or Latinos. Race is diverse in Colombia just as it is in most countries. Neither of my cultural distinctions (Hispanic/Latina) are a specific race. Race is a social construct about your observed physical characteristics, not a biological distinction. According to the U.S. Census, I would be classified as “some other race.” That being said, Colombia Lacrosse has helped me better understand that I am not white, I am “some other race” and I am proud of who I am.
What does your heritage mean to you?
Lacrosse is actually a prominent vehicle that has allowed my heritage to blossom. I am Colombian and I feel more strongly connected with being a Colombian because of my experiences with Colombia Lacrosse. I learned to play lacrosse in the states but the game has given me emotional and linguistic connectivity that I never would have had otherwise. My heritage is genetic, but heritage is really about what you feel. And I feel Colombian during large parts of my time involved with the sport of lacrosse including but not limited to representing Colombia at the 2015 U19 World Cup, 2017 World Cup and 2019 World Cup Qualifiers.
What is your family’s immigration story?
My mother, born and raised in the United States, traveled to Colombia after her post-secondary education. As an educator in the throes of Colombia during the 1980s, my mother and father met, fell in love and came back to the states together. They started their life together and brought me into the world.
What role has lacrosse played in your life?
My lacrosse identity is forged in places where, ironically, lacrosse doesn’t have a strong foothold (Minnesota and Colombia). It has allowed me to more intricately connect with the game in ways that would not be possible had I grown up in a more established lacrosse area. My heart emigrated to Colombia through the sport of lacrosse. Colombia Lacrosse has helped me understand who I am and where I come from.
While lacrosse has been the consistent theme throughout my professional and personal path, at this point, it is so intertwined I don’t even differentiate. It is just who I am.