During Hispanic Heritage Month, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) has been highlighting fun facts about Latin America and its history. In this final installment of Did you know?, we shine a spotlight on sports – an area where Latin American athletes have made a lasting global impact; especially in the United States.
While soccer remains the sport most associated with Latin America, baseball, softball, and basketball have gained popularity across the region. The following athletes exemplify excellence and pride that define Latin American sports culture.
Soccer
- Marta Vieira da Silva (Brazil)
Known worldwide simply as Marta, she is often hailed as the greatest women’s soccer player in history. Born in 1986 in Dois Riachos, Brazil, Marta’s rise to stardom coincided with a historic turning point – the formation of Brazil’s first women’s national soccer team after decades of prohibition (from 1941 to 1979). Growing up playing soccer with boys in her hometown, Marta was scouted at age 14 to join the women’s team for Vasco da Gama.
Throughout her career, she has won six FIFA World Player of the Year awards, scored more goals in the FIFA World Cup than any other player (male or female), and has become a global symbol of women’s empowerment in sports.
- Leonel “Leo” Messi (Argentina)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players in history, Leo was born in Rosario, Argentina, and began his professional career with FC Barcelona at just 17 years old. Over two decades, Messi has rewritten soccer’s record books, earning a record eight Ballon d’Or awards. For years, critics argued that his legacy lacked a FIFA World Cup title – until 2022, when Messi led Argentina to victory over France in a dramatic penalty shootout. Beyond his statistics, Messi is celebrated for his humility, leadership, and dedication to his country.
Baseball
- Roberto Clemente (Puerto Rico)
A trailblazer both on and off the field, Roberto Clemente became the first Puerto Rican (and first Latin American) player inducted posthumously into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 1950s and 1960s, Clemente faced the dual challenges of racial segregation and cultural discrimination in the United States. He refused attempts to “Americanize” his name to “Bob” or “Bobby,” insisting proudly on his identity as an Afro-Latino man. Beyond his 3,000 career hits and two World Series championships, Clemente is remembered for his humanitarian spirit. He tragically passed away in a plane crash in 1972 while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.
Today, he is remembered through the Roberto Clemente Award, which celebrates baseball players with extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions, both on and off the field.
Softball
- Lisa Fernandez (Puerto Rican and Cuban heritage)
One of the most accomplished softball players in history, Lisa Fernandez is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time Women’s College World Series champion with UCLA. Known for her fierce competitiveness and leadership, Fernandez also earned recognition as a three-time NCAA Player of the Year. Today, she serves as an associate head coach for UCLA softball, continuing to mentor young athletes. In a 2020 interview with the NCAA, she credits her parents’ discipline and encouragement as key to her success, highlighting the importance of family and heritage in her journey.
Basketball
- Diana Taurasi (Argentine heritage)
Regarded as one of the greatest players in WNBA history, Diana Taurasi has combined skill, leadership, and longevity throughout her career. A six-time Olympic gold medalist, WNBA champion, and all-time leading scorer, Taurasi’s Argentine roots have been an integral part of her story. In an interview with the Latino Excellence Podcast, she spoke about the struggles of playing basketball with mild to severe eczema.
- Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Mexican-American)
A rising star in the NBA, Jaime Jaquez Jr. was drafted in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft after a standout career at UCLA. Proud of his Mexican-American heritage, Jaquez has become a symbol of representation for young Latino athletes. In 2024, he participated in the NBA Mexico City Game, where he was joined by his family, emphasizing the cultural connection between basketball and community.
Lasting Impact
While soccer continues to dominate the global conversation, the achievement of athletes demonstrates that Latin America’s excellence extends across all sports. At MSCS, we hope that these stories inspire not only our Hispanic students, but all of our MSCS students to pursue their dream – no matter the sport, background, or obstacle.
For more information about sports at MSCS, visit www.msciaa.org
If you have a story about a MSCS student, teacher, or school to highlight, please email us at communications@scsk12.org. Include the school name, story details, and an SCSK12.ORG email for follow-up.