Every year Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 celebrating the culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latin Americans. Nicole Rodriguez is a member of the LMU women's basketball team and a proud member of the Hispanic community. LMU Athletics interviewed Rodriguez to get a deeper look inside the Rodriguez family and their culture. 

Q: How important is your heritage to you?

Nicole: "My heritage is important to me simply because it's who God created me to be. You don't see very many Latinos in the basketball world, so it is an honor to be recognized as a Latina and a part of this sport."

Q: What country are you or your family from?

Nicole: "My family is from Vera Cruz, Mexico."

Q: What traditions or celebrations does your family participates in?

Nicole: "One of the first traditions that come to mind that my family participates in is 'Día de los Muertos'. My mom sets up an ofrenda in my house which is basically an altar in my home honoring loved ones that we have lost. Our culture is very family oriented, and some of my best memories are from when I was growing up and everyone in my family would come over to my house for any holiday, birthday, or special event. The best was when all my aunts, uncles, and cousins would sleep over on Christmas Eve, so we would wake up on Christmas morning together and make cookies."

Q: What's your favorite traditional dish?

Nicole: "It is very hard to pick just one favorite dish so I will do a top 3 which are Huevos Rancheros, Pozole, and my mom's homemade rice."

Q: What do you wish others knew about your culture?

Nicole: "I wish others knew how hard-working my culture is. People risk their lives to come to the US for more opportunities. We are the busboys, the cooks, the maids, the gardeners, and the people who sell fruit and flowers on the corner. We do whatever it takes to take care of our family."

    From Nov. 1 to Nov. 2, Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated. It's one of the biggest traditions in the Mexican culture when the living honor and remember their deceased ancestors and friends. It's a celebration of life with festivals, parades, colorful decorations and, most importantly, love.

Check out Rodriguez and the LMU women's basketball team during their season opener, Nov. 25, against California in the LMU Thanksgiving Classic.

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