Christian Meraz Perez is in his first year at Carroll University as a member of the Pioneers' men's soccer team. A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Meraz Perez proudly identifies as Mexican-American, having been born in the United States with strong family roots in Mexico.
As he and the Pioneers look to secure a spot in the 2026 CCIW Men's Soccer Tournament, his motivations extend beyond success on the field, with his heritage and family playing an important role in his athletic journey.
The CCIW is proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, and recognize the accomplishments and impact that Hispanic and Latino student-athletes, coaches, and staff have made across the conference.
Meraz Perez developed a love for soccer from a young age, at first just watching while other children played outside. Eventually he made the decision to give the sport a try, and ever since then soccer has stayed a constant presence in his life. His enthusiasm for the game has always encouraged him to improve and to become the best athlete he can be.
As a young athlete, Meraz Perez faced challenges getting the same exposure and access to opportunities as other athletes. Rather than letting those circumstances discourage him, he credits them with motivating him to work harder and keep pursuing his goals.
"It is challenging and stressful, but that's what keeps me running. I'm proud enough to say that my hard work has gotten me to where I am today."
Meraz Perez doesn't take for granted the chances he has earned of continuing to play the sport he loves at a high level, and he is aware of the opportunity to represent something greater than just himself.
Sports enable Meraz Perez to express his culture and heritage in the way he simply puts it; that of being a player and being himself. He refers to having been brought up in a Hispanic home as something that "stays with [him] forever" and says that it is what has shaped him into the person and player he is today.
"I represent my parents, my family, my ancestors; I represent my bloodline; that means a lot to me," he recalls. "Every time I step onto the field, I think about them, I think about who I am and where I am from."
Throughout his journey, Meraz Perez has looked to his mother for inspiration, admiring her perseverance and the sacrifices she made while raising him. Her example has continued to influence him in both athletics and his personal life.
Meraz Perez states, "I admire her because she never gave up no matter what. No matter the long shifts at work, she came home and tried giving me what she never had. That is why I look up to her and I hope one day I can be as strong as she is."
The perseverance and dedication she has shown have had a lasting effect on Meraz Perez, acting as an example of the hard work and determination which he looks to carry on in his own life and athletic career.
With four conference matches remaining, Meraz Perez and the Pioneers will look to secure a spot in the CCIW Men's Soccer Tournament later this month. As he continues his first collegiate season, Meraz Perez carries with him the determination, family values and pride in his heritage that have helped shape his journey to this point.
About Hispanic Heritage Month:
National Hispanic Heritage Month is annually observed from September 15 to October 15 in the United States for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic culture to the nation's achievements, culture, and history.
Special thank you to Christian Meraz Perez, Charlie Grey, Andy Kohel, and Carroll University Athletics for their contributions to this feature.
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The College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) was founded in 1946 and currently services nine member institutions including Augustana College (Rock Island, Ill.), Carroll University (Waukesha, Wis.), Carthage College (Kenosha, Wis.), Elmhurst University (Elmhurst, Ill.), Illinois Wesleyan University (Bloomington, Ill.), Millikin University (Decatur, Ill.), North Central College (Naperville, Ill.), North Park University (Chicago, Ill.) and Wheaton College (Wheaton, Ill.).