Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight - Part 2
10/1/2026 1:28:00 PM | Softball
During Hispanic Heritage Month, Jax State Athletics celebrate the rich cultures and traditions of the Hispanic and Latino communities. We are proud to recognize the diversity within our Gamecock family and highlight backgrounds and experiences that make our student-athletes special. At Jax State, we celebrate the individuality of student-athletes and the stories that make each person unique.
This week, we are shining the spotlight on Jocelyn Garcia, a proud member of the Jax State softball team.
What does Hispanic/Latino heritage mean to you?
Hispanic/Latino heritage means appreciating the beauty of our culture and the sacrifices my great grandparents made for us. It also means we hold all our traditions, food and family, close.
What country or countries does your family have roots in?
Three of my grandparents have roots in Mexico and one has roots in China.
What is one cultural tradition that is especially meaningful to you?
One cultural tradition that is very meaningful to me is making tamales for Christmas because it's something we get to do with my grandma and we all enjoy it.
How did you get started in your sport?
I started playing softball because my best friend in kindergarten was sharing how she loved playing and had fun all the time, so I wanted to try. I tried playing many sports/activities and never really found one for me until I started playing softball. Softball has been my passion that I really enjoy.
Who was your biggest inspiration when you were growing up?
My biggest inspiration growing up was and still is, my mom. She is my best friend and someone who has taught me to never give up, work hard, have resilience, and most importantly, to always be humble and kind. Watching her be all these things and more has inspired me to strive to be the best version of myself that I can be and never forget where I came from.Â
What does representing your family and culture mean when you compete?
I believe the best way to represent my family, and culture is by always remembering the values that my parents and grandparents have instilled in me. They have taught me to be a good person, to have respect, to work hard, and to never take anything for granted. I carry those values with me on and off the field. I always strive to make them proud every single day.
What are you studying, and what are your career goals?Â
I am studying psychology and hope to become a sport psychologist for any sports team. I've always wanted to become a psychologist to help people and mixing that with a passion I love, is something I can't wait to do.
Complete this sentence: "Being a student-athlete has taught me….
Being a student-athlete has taught me many lessons-how to stay disciplined, teamwork, perseverance, and time management. It has also taught me how to balance both school and softball while giving the best effort I can. Softball has taught me the greatest lesson of never giving up even when times get hard because without the hard things in life, we won't grow and get better.
