Breaking barriers: Salem student-athletes inspiring future generations

Across NCAA campuses, Hispanic and Latino student-athletes are breaking down barriers, excelling both in athletics and academics while proudly representing their heritage. 

This growth is reflected in the numbers, with the number of Hispanic and Latino student-athletes increasing by 70% over the past decade. Their academic success has surged, as well, as seen in the 2023 four-cohort Division I Graduation Success Rates, where Hispanic/Latino student-athletes reached 88% — an impressive 24 percentage-point jump from the first year of GSR data in 2002.

At Salem (North Carolina), several student-athletes embody this drive, overcoming personal challenges and leading by example for future generations. One of these athletes is freshman Maia Johnson, a standout volleyball player and the first on her mother's side of the family to attend college. Navigating the pressures of being a first-generation student-athlete without a road map, Johnson has relied on her family's support to keep pushing forward.

"To be a first-generation college student on my mom's side means that I have pressure to do the best possible, but also that everyone is proud of me and how far I've gotten," said Johnson, whose mother is Colombian. Her hard work paid off last month when she became the first Salem volleyball player to earn three USA South Conference Rookie of the Week honors in the same season. "Whenever I wasn't confident or unsure if I could do something, I always remember my mom telling me I could do anything I set my mind to."

Alexia Valente-Arreola also knows what it means to break barriers — both as a dual-sport athlete and a Mexican American. In high school, she earned all-conference and all-region honors in soccer every season, but the road to becoming a college athlete was filled with obstacles.

"I've never had much guidance in the college application process or the recruiting process, much less how to plan for the difficulties of balancing classes and games," she said. "But I wouldn't trade the struggles, because that allows me to form a path that maybe one day someone else could learn from."

Now a freshman at Salem, Valente-Arreola continues to push boundaries, balancing soccer and volleyball while inspiring younger athletes. 

"My heritage has been the biggest influence in my life. I'm so proud to be able to say that I am Mexican. I want to continue to make my people proud, knowing that not many girls have had this opportunity," she said.

For Darilyn Nieto, breaking records and breaking barriers go hand in hand. After a broken leg in middle school forced her to take a lengthy pause from the sport, Nieto is now one of the most decorated athletes in Salem soccer history. This season, the junior with Honduran roots became the program's all-time leading scorer.

"Because it is something that I am really proud of and because I am proud that I am able to play at the college level while making my family and friends proud, my Hispanic heritage has played a significant role in shaping my journey as a student-athlete," Nieto said. "Being the first to go through this as a student-athlete can feel like a lot of pressure, but I know it will feel great knowing I'm paving a path for my younger sister to look up to when it's her turn to attend college."

Similarly, Ashley Guzman-Beltran has also faced numerous challenges growing up, balancing academics and soccer. But her determination to succeed has always been stronger than the obstacles she faced.

"I faced a lot of stereotypes and a lack of resources in my community, but I choose to make a difference in my family and prove that one of us made it," said Guzman-Beltran, a freshman who has Salvadoran roots. "My culture has taught me to keep pushing no matter what."

Nathaly Berrezueta, who was born in Ecuador and lived there until high school, also broke through many barriers on her way to Salem. During high school in North Carolina, she successfully navigated the challenges of learning a new language and adapting to a different education system in the U.S. Before coming to Salem, she spent time at a community college. She since has been recognized for her academic excellence, including a spot on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Women's Soccer Team.

"Sometimes I think about all the things I've accomplished as a student-athlete, and I can't believe it," Berrezueta said. "My friends back in Ecuador ask me how I got into college in the U.S. and played soccer. What I tell them is simple: Apply everywhere, look for solutions and don't give up."

Persistence is also a central part of Jasmin Solorzano's story. As a first-generation college student-athlete, she has balanced the expectations of both school and sport. Her contributions as a defender on the Salem soccer team have helped solidify a defense that held opponents to one of the best shot percentages in program history.

"Blazing a new path in my family as a college student is such a blessing because it gives me the ability to inspire my younger siblings that we have the ability to be anything we want to — we just have to keep on and never give up," said Solorzano, a sophomore.

Solorzano's goals extend beyond the field, too. She is pursuing a career in dentistry, driven by a desire to give back to her community. As a Mexican American, she hopes to one day provide dental care to underserved Hispanic populations, particularly those who face language barriers in accessing health care.

"I want to make sure people in my community get the care they need, and I want them to feel comfortable and understood when they visit the dentist," she said.

Several role models contribute to the success of these athletes. For the Hispanic and Latina Salem women's soccer players, head coach Robin Ramirez is among the most impactful people in their lives. A Salvadoran American whose heritage influences his coaching philosophy, Ramirez plays a crucial role in supporting his first-generation athletes, helping them not only navigate their sport but also gain the confidence to succeed in life.

"My Hispanic heritage has influenced my coaching because it's all about bringing people together for the love of the sport," Ramirez said. "I hope that the lasting impact I have on my athletes, especially those breaking new ground as first-generation college student-athletes, is that I played a small part in their overall positive collegiate experience. My hope is that they all graduate and can look back and say, beyond the successes on the field, that for four years they were able to learn and continue doing something they loved at a high level, with a great group of teammates who are now friends for life, and that they had a coach who always believed in them."

As Hispanic student-athletes continue to break barriers across college campuses, the stories at Salem highlight not just personal achievements but the lasting impact they are making for future generations.

"Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself that I'm not just doing this for me," Johnson said. "I'm doing it for everyone who believes in me and everyone who will come after me."