Devynn Alston, Staff Writer
Hispanic Heritage Month, spanning from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, offers a chance to look back at Hispanic athletes who built significant careers at VCU and went on to professional careers. Among them are Andres Rodriguez, Vimael Machín and Gonzalo Segares.
From Machín being drafted by the Chicago Cubs and working his way through the minor leagues to Oakland’s MLB team, to Segares’ decorated career as a soccer player and coach, and Rodriguez’s beginning his professional career, each of these Rams has a story that extends beyond their time at VCU.
Andres Rodriguez, a Virginia native, is the most recent graduate of the group, graduating in 2025. During his time at VCU, Rodriguez became a regular presence on the pitch. As a midfielder, he recorded 5,300 minutes, played in 65 games and finished his career as a Ram with three goals and eight assists. He was also a part of VCU’s 2023 Atlantic 10 Championship team.
Post-VCU, he has begun competing professionally, playing with Sarasota Paradise since December 23, 2025.
Rodriguez’s Hispanic heritage has also influenced his connection to the sport. Rodriguez looked to Mexico’s national team, El Tri, as inspiration while growing up, according to VCU Athletics.
“El Tri were winning trophies, and I was amazed by it,” Rodriguez said. “It made me think maybe one day I could get to that point.”
Vimael Machín’s career took him from VCU to the major leagues. At VCU, Machín established himself at shortstop before beginning his professional career with the Chicago Cubs’ organization. He worked his way through the minor leagues and, in 2020, made his debut with the Oakland Athletics.
Machín also represented Puerto Rico on the international stage, playing for the Puerto Rican national baseball team during the WBSC Premier12 Tournament, according to World Baseball Network.
During his time as a VCU soccer player, Gonzalo Segares was regarded as a standout defender and one of the greatest to wear black and gold, according to VCU Athletics. He won the conference defender of the year award in 2002 and 2004 and led VCU to ten shutouts, according to MLS Soccer.
After VCU, Segares played professionally, becoming the first Ram to be selected in the MLS SuperDraft as a third-round pick by the Chicago Fire in 2005. After his playing days, he began coaching and currently coaches the U.S. men’s U-19 national team.
Soccer was introduced to Segares in Costa Rica at a young age, with Saprissa being his favorite team growing up, according to Soccer America. Later, he would go on to represent his country in the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Each former Ram carries different connections to their Hispanic roots that have influenced their lives in sports.