Heritage and work ethic: A look at SDSU kicker Gabriel Plascencia and his Mexican roots

Daily Aztec | October 2, 2025

The lefty kicker in his redshirt senior season is proud of his Hispanic heritage, fútbol background and hard work that led him to the football field

San Diego State senior kicker Gabriel Plascencia runs out of the tunnel alongside teammates while holding the Aztec Warrior shield before kickoff against Cal State on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Snapdragon Stadium.

Only 5.8% of NCAA Division I athletes are Hispanic. Across all three NCAA divisions, 3,963 football players identify as Hispanic. San Diego State kicker Gabriel Plascencia, who is in his redshirt senior season, is proud to represent his Mexican heritage.