Watching her mom play field hockey as a child, Catalina Mendez knew the sport would become her home. 

Benito Abbiati was an athlete long before leading runs through Gainesville. Born in Argentina, he grew up playing soccer before immigrating to Puerto Rico at 5 years old.

Rafaella Arnaez spent most of her life dreaming about the spotlight. Today, she is chasing a different dream — creating stories from behind the camera. 

For most UF students, an indoor cycling session is just an hour-long sweat and a break from the stresses of school. For Venezuelan-born Camila Almandoz, it’s much more — a way to share her Hispanic culture.

At just 2 years old, she started dancing. By 7, she remembers first sharing the stage with her family in Puerto Rico — taking turns dancing with her uncles to salsa music as her grandfather clapped along.