University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: Ashley Zapata
2/24/2021 6:46:00 AM | Athletics
Ashley M. Zapata, PsyD was born in Panama City, Panama and credits her Afro-Caribbean roots as the foundation for her values and worldview. She grew up in Newport News, Va., having learned the art of adapting and flexibility early as a military dependent. As a first-generation college student, Dr. Zapata earned a bachelor's degree from Marymount University, her first graduate degree from the George Washington University, and continued to earn a master's and Psy.D. in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University in San Diego, Calif. She has provided mental health and sport performance services to Division I collegiate athletes, elite and professional athletes, and has curated training programs for teams, coaches, and affinity groups such as injured athletes, LGBTQIA+ and athletes of color. Dr. Zapata currently serves as a co-coordinator of the Diversity in Sport SIG for the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Read more as gophersports.com caught up with her here.
Tell us about us hometown and your cultural background that you identify with:
I was born in Panama City, Panama to a Panamanian mother and Trinidadian father. My father was stationed in Panama as a member of the US Army and met my mom. I've lived in various places as a Army dependent but largely grew up in Newport News, Va. Because of my father's job I learned to be flexible and adapt very quickly. I also appreciated traveling and meeting new people and experiencing cultures different from my own. I love my Afro-Caribbean background, especially the FOOD.
What would be your Black History theme song?
Black Parade - Beyonce
What is your role within Gopher Sports?
Sport Psychologist! :)
If you were writing a letter to yourself, what would be the three points of wisdom regarding being black?
If I was writing a letter to myself, the three points of wisdom I would offer myself about being Black is:
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month, to me, is one month of reflecting on the contributions made by Black people over decades and centuries. For me, it is a month of concentrated attention on truths that myself and many Black people reflect on daily. The meaning of the month transcends the limit of 28 calendar days and instead bolsters the pride and joy I have as a Black woman. It is both an honor and privilege to celebrate Black innovators and change makers and know that their Spirit is shared amongst the Black community.
How have you been influenced or inspired by other black athletes, role models, or leaders in your life?
My all-time favorite athlete is Vincent "Bo" Jackson. He is the only athlete ever to have been both an MLB All-Star and an NFL Pro Bowler. When I was first introduced to him and his athletic feats I was in my 20s and I remember thinking, "WOW, how does a person do that"? It signaled in me that with determination and drive there truly are no limits to what you can do. You just have to want it and focus on getting there. As a Black woman in a white, male dominated field, and throughout my life, I have recognized that the odds have not always been stacked in my favor. But rather than lament over that fact I choose everyday to keep going. Keep pushing. Keep striving. So that those after me may not have to navigate the same obstacles I did.
What was it like seeing a Black woman become Vice President?
Breathtaking. Quite literally, breathtaking. Plus, Madam Vice President is my sorority sister so that added a layer of awe and pride to the occasion. Representation matters and seeing someone who in many ways represents who I am at the core let's me know that all things are possible. It is a feeling that is difficult to describe but the closest thing I could come up with would be that seeing a Black woman become Vice President of the United States of America felt like the world was seeing me.
How old and where were you when you heard I have Dream speech for the first time?
I was in elementary school, unsure of the grade the first time I heard Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech and I just remember reflecting on the impact one speech has the potential to make. At that age and having grown up in a caribbean household with parents who grew up outside of the U.S., I didn't have the knowledge to understand the nuances of the time period in which the speech was given but I never forgot how I felt hearing it. It felt like pure emotion. It made the hair on my arm stand up but I wasn't afraid. I knew even as a child that his speech made people listen and made a difference in the lives of so many. Today, it is yet another testament to the power of using your voice and not allowing systems to silence you.
Tell us about us hometown and your cultural background that you identify with:
I was born in Panama City, Panama to a Panamanian mother and Trinidadian father. My father was stationed in Panama as a member of the US Army and met my mom. I've lived in various places as a Army dependent but largely grew up in Newport News, Va. Because of my father's job I learned to be flexible and adapt very quickly. I also appreciated traveling and meeting new people and experiencing cultures different from my own. I love my Afro-Caribbean background, especially the FOOD.
What would be your Black History theme song?
Black Parade - Beyonce
What is your role within Gopher Sports?
Sport Psychologist! :)
If you were writing a letter to yourself, what would be the three points of wisdom regarding being black?
If I was writing a letter to myself, the three points of wisdom I would offer myself about being Black is:
- Your skin is touched by the Sun and is beautiful and radiant. It glows with purpose and reverence.
- Trust and believe in yourself. You are your ancestors' wildest and greatest dreams.
- Offer yourself grace and compassion, prioritize your needs buy keeping your cup full.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month, to me, is one month of reflecting on the contributions made by Black people over decades and centuries. For me, it is a month of concentrated attention on truths that myself and many Black people reflect on daily. The meaning of the month transcends the limit of 28 calendar days and instead bolsters the pride and joy I have as a Black woman. It is both an honor and privilege to celebrate Black innovators and change makers and know that their Spirit is shared amongst the Black community.
How have you been influenced or inspired by other black athletes, role models, or leaders in your life?
My all-time favorite athlete is Vincent "Bo" Jackson. He is the only athlete ever to have been both an MLB All-Star and an NFL Pro Bowler. When I was first introduced to him and his athletic feats I was in my 20s and I remember thinking, "WOW, how does a person do that"? It signaled in me that with determination and drive there truly are no limits to what you can do. You just have to want it and focus on getting there. As a Black woman in a white, male dominated field, and throughout my life, I have recognized that the odds have not always been stacked in my favor. But rather than lament over that fact I choose everyday to keep going. Keep pushing. Keep striving. So that those after me may not have to navigate the same obstacles I did.
What was it like seeing a Black woman become Vice President?
Breathtaking. Quite literally, breathtaking. Plus, Madam Vice President is my sorority sister so that added a layer of awe and pride to the occasion. Representation matters and seeing someone who in many ways represents who I am at the core let's me know that all things are possible. It is a feeling that is difficult to describe but the closest thing I could come up with would be that seeing a Black woman become Vice President of the United States of America felt like the world was seeing me.
How old and where were you when you heard I have Dream speech for the first time?
I was in elementary school, unsure of the grade the first time I heard Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech and I just remember reflecting on the impact one speech has the potential to make. At that age and having grown up in a caribbean household with parents who grew up outside of the U.S., I didn't have the knowledge to understand the nuances of the time period in which the speech was given but I never forgot how I felt hearing it. It felt like pure emotion. It made the hair on my arm stand up but I wasn't afraid. I knew even as a child that his speech made people listen and made a difference in the lives of so many. Today, it is yet another testament to the power of using your voice and not allowing systems to silence you.
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