Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Christian Mireles

YEAR: Sophomore

ESPORT: Overwatch

MAJOR: Software Engineering

HOMETOWN: Marana, AZ

Q: What inspired you to become a varsity athlete?

A: I’ve been playing Overwatch since 2017, in my freshman year of high school. I really loved how it played and seeing gameplay at the highest level like the Overwatch League felt like watching art being made in front of me. Since then, I have been working to get into the esports scene and UArizona Esports was the perfect opportunity for me, especially being a freshman in college when the program started.

Q: Do you have any role models that inspire you at school or at home?

A: In my personal life, I have always looked up to my father. He was a fantastic role model and raised me to be the person I am today. I am even following his footsteps and studying in the field of engineering!

Q: Have you experienced any challenges in school? How did you overcome them?

A: Of course! I have struggled with anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember and during the spring semester last year, I was in a severe downward spiral. Thankfully, I had a fantastic support system in my family, and I could always look forward to going to the Esports Arena to practice with fellow varsity athletes who I have come to befriend and trust. Since that semester, I have made it a personal goal to improve myself both mentally and physically by going to therapy, working out, and getting out more to talk to new people.

Q: Tell me about your family and community growing up.

A: I grew up in the Midwest and being the only Hispanic kid in school was a little jarring. In a state where the spiciest thing there is black pepper, there was not a lot of Hispanic representation and culture present. I’d like to think I lived a very sheltered life, but it led me to learn how to be courteous and kind. Spending the rest of my childhood out in Arizona was a drastic change, but it was a welcome one where I could see much more diversity and representation than ever. I got to learn new things not just about the world, but about myself. It made me proud of my heritage living in Arizona.

Q: What does being part of the Hispanic community mean to you?

A: Growing up, I feel like I repressed my heritage and just tried to blend in. However, after experiencing the culture and being surrounded by the Hispanic community in Arizona, I have come to appreciate and become proud of who I am. It gave me confidence and pride when I met extended family or when I was able to tell others that I was Hispanic. It might not seem significant to others, but as someone who neglected their heritage for years, it meant a lot to me when I was surrounded by Hispanic culture.

Q: Has being Hispanic influenced the way you approach your studies or esports?

A: I think being Hispanic provides a different perspective in what I read and study. The beauty of esports and collaborative work in general is that you have people from many different backgrounds with many different ideologies. With esports especially, I feel like I am heard when I give input on a team-based decision or an idea for what we can do next. It allows me to be much more open and honest to others, which I think is a vital trait to have in a field like this.

Q: What are your goals for after graduation?

A: Being a sophomore, I have no clue what I want to do once I graduate. My primary goal is to find a profession that can possibly combine my love of software and technology with my passion for video games and esports. I’m just getting started, but I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Q: Anything else you would like to share? Stay hydrated, don’t forget to take your meds, and bear down!