Miranda Moya Empowers Community Through Initiatives at UT San Antonio Athletics

UT San Antonio Student Charts Path From Small Town to Occupational therapy Leadership

San Antonio,TX – A dedicated student at UT San Antonio is working towards a future where she can give back to the community that shaped her. Miranda Moya, originally from Raymondville, Texas, a town of roughly 10,236 people situated as the “Gateway to the Rio Grande Valley”, is currently pursuing a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree with plans to address healthcare disparities in her hometown.

From Small-Town Roots to Academic Success

Moya completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the College for Health, Community and Policy at UT San Antonio in the fall of 2024. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she also served as a student assistant in the Roadrunners’ Athletics Department, gaining valuable experience and networking opportunities. According to recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 45% of undergraduates nationwide identify as first-generation college students, a category Moya also belongs to.

Her involvement with UTSA Athletics proved transformative. Moya recounts that the role helped her overcome natural shyness and develop crucial communication skills. “Getting my foot in the door with athletics has been able to help me grow as a person,” she stated, noting the meaningful impact the experience had on her personal and professional development.

The Appeal of Occupational Therapy and Community Need

Moya’s decision to pursue occupational therapy stemmed from a desire to address a clear need within her community. She explained, “I come from a very low-income community and ther’s not a lot of opportunities for these types of things.” Recognizing the lack of specialized healthcare services in the Rio grande Valley, she sought a profession where she could make a tangible difference.

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, the demand for occupational therapists is projected to grow 18 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is fueled by an aging population and an increasing awareness of the benefits of occupational therapy in various settings.

Factor	Raymondville, TX	National Average
Poverty Rate	35.2% (2022)	11.5% (2022)
Access to Healthcare	Limited	Generally Available
Occupational Therapists per capita	Low	Moderate

Did You Know? Occupational therapists help people of all ages improve their ability to perform daily living and working activities.

UT San Antonio’s Role in Moya’s Journey

Moya highlighted the significance of attending UT San Antonio, especially as the university recently merged with UT Health San Antonio to become UT San Antonio, the state’s third-largest research institution. This merger is expected to further enhance educational and research opportunities for students like Moya. She actively mentors new students, sharing her experiences and promoting the vibrant campus life at UTSA.

Future Aspirations

Upon completing her doctoral programme and gaining licensure, Moya plans to either establish her own practice in Raymondville or integrate occupational therapy into a sports program in San Antonio. Her ultimate goal is to serve as a role model for young people in her hometown, demonstrating the possibilities that education and dedication can unlock.

Pro Tip: When considering a career in healthcare,research areas with documented shortages to maximize your impact and employment prospects.

“Knowing that I have been able to put my foot forward and become an example for others in my community has really meant a lot to me,” Moya shared.

The Growing Importance of Occupational therapy

The field of occupational therapy is becoming increasingly vital as populations age and the focus on preventative healthcare grows.Occupational therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome challenges related to injury,illness,or disability,enabling them to live more independent and fulfilling lives. Their expertise extends to a wide range of settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.

Frequently Asked Questions about Occupational Therapy

What inspires you to pursue a career that directly impacts your community? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

How can universities better support first-generation students in navigating their academic journeys? Let us know your ideas!

How do UTSA’s community ticket programs, like “Roadrunners for all,” specifically contribute to increased attendance and a more inclusive game day atmosphere?

Expanding Access to UTSA Athletics

Miranda Moya, a prominent figure in the San Antonio community and dedicated supporter of UT San Antonio (UTSA) Athletics, has spearheaded numerous initiatives focused on broadening access and fostering deeper engagement with the university’s athletic programs. These efforts aren’t simply about filling seats; they’re about building a stronger connection between the university and the city it calls home. Key areas of focus include youth sports outreach, community ticket programs, and enhanced fan experiences.

Youth Sports Clinics & Camps

Moya’s commitment to youth progress is evident in the expansion of UTSA athletic clinics and camps. These programs, offered across various sports – including basketball, volleyball, football, and track & field – provide affordable, high-quality training opportunities for young athletes in the San Antonio area.

Skill Development: Clinics focus on essential skill building, led by UTSA coaches and student-athletes.

Accessibility: Scholarships and reduced-cost options are available to ensure participation isn’t limited by financial constraints.

Mentorship: Opportunities for young athletes to interact with and learn from UTSA student-athletes, promoting positive role models.

Recruitment Pipeline: While not the primary goal, these camps also serve as a valuable opportunity for UTSA coaches to identify potential future Roadrunners.

Community Ticket Programs: Roadrunners for All

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, Moya championed the “Roadrunners for All” ticket program. This initiative distributes complimentary tickets to local schools, non-profit organizations, and underserved communities.

1. Partnering with Local Schools: UTSA Athletics collaborates with San Antonio Autonomous School District (SAISD) and other local districts to provide game tickets to students and their families.
2. Supporting Non-Profits: Organizations focused on youth development, veteran support, and social services receive ticket donations for fundraising events or to provide experiences for their clients.
3. Military Appreciation: A notable portion of donated tickets are allocated to military personnel and their families, recognizing the strong military presence in san Antonio.
4. Increased Attendance: The program has demonstrably increased attendance at UTSA athletic events, creating a more vibrant and supportive atmosphere.

Enhancing the Game Day Experiance

Moya understands that attracting and retaining fans requires more than just competitive teams. She’s been instrumental in improving the overall game day experience at UTSA.

Fan Zone Improvements: Expansion of the Roadrunner Nation Fan Zone with more interactive activities, food vendors, and entertainment options.

In-Game Promotions: Increased frequency and creativity of in-game promotions,contests,and giveaways to keep fans engaged.

Accessibility Enhancements: Improvements to stadium accessibility for fans with disabilities, including designated seating and accessible parking.

Tailgating Opportunities: Expansion of designated tailgating areas and promotion of a family-friendly tailgating environment.

The Impact of Moya’s Leadership: A Case study – UTSA Volleyball

The UTSA Volleyball program provides a compelling exmaple of the positive impact of Moya’s initiatives. Increased community outreach, coupled with targeted ticket promotions, led to a 30% increase in average attendance during the 2024 season. This boost in fan support directly correlated with increased team morale and a successful run to the Conference USA Tournament finals. Coach Karen Green highlighted the importance of the home-court advantage created by the energized crowds.

Benefits of Community Engagement for UTSA Athletics

Investing in community engagement yields significant benefits for UTSA Athletics:

Increased Brand Awareness: Greater visibility within the San Antonio community strengthens the UTSA brand.

Enhanced Fundraising Opportunities: Stronger community relationships translate into increased philanthropic support.

Improved Student-Athlete Experience: Playing in front of enthusiastic crowds enhances the student-athlete experience.

Positive Public Relations: Community-focused initiatives generate positive media coverage and goodwill.

Stronger Alumni Network: Engaged fans are more likely to become loyal alumni and supporters.

Practical Tips for Replicating Success

Other universities looking to replicate UTSA’s success in community engagement can consider these practical tips:

Identify Key Community Partners: Build relationships with local schools, non-profits, and community leaders.

Develop Targeted Programs: Tailor initiatives to meet the specific needs and interests of the local community.

Measure Impact: Track attendance, fundraising, and other key metrics to assess the effectiveness of programs.

Seek Student-Athlete Involvement: Encourage student-athletes to participate in community outreach activities.

Promote Initiatives Effectively: Utilize social media, local media, and university communications channels to promote community engagement programs.

UT San Antonio Athletics: A Hub for Community Growth

Miranda Moya’s dedication to community empowerment through UTSA Athletics is transforming the university into a true hub for growth and opportunity in San Antonio. Her initiatives are not only enhancing the fan experience but also fostering a stronger connection between the university and the city it serves, creating a lasting legacy for generations to come. Keywords: UTSA Athletics,miranda Moya,Community Engagement,San Antonio,College Sports,Youth Sports,Ticket Programs,Fan Experience,Roadrunners,Student-Athlete development,University Outreach,Conference USA