Hear from local Colorado Springs artist Madi Nein about the inspiration behind the Viva Latina Jersey.
The jerseys will be available in-store only on matchday and are limited in supply, so arrive early to grab yours. We’ll also be auctioning off the player-worn jerseys starting Thursday, with proceeds benefiting the CommonSpirit Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation.
1. What inspired you to make your design?
My goal was never to represent just one Latina—it was to honor them all. Every culture, every story, and every heritage that shapes what it means to be Latina deserved to be reflected. I wanted the woman on the jersey to serve as a mirror, allowing every Latina who sees it to find herself within it. More than anything, I hoped she would feel seen, celebrated, and reminded that her identity is something beautiful to wear with pride.
2. Can you talk about the design elements and philosophy of the design?
Latin culture encompasses an incredible diversity of people, histories, and traditions, making it impossible to represent every culture in a single design. With that in mind, I wanted to honor that diversity by drawing inspiration from different regions across Latin America. I chose to illustrate each country’s national flower as a symbol of its unique identity.
The central figure is deeply rooted in my own Mexican culture because that is the story I know firsthand and the culture I have lived and experienced. I wanted to represent it authentically while acknowledging that every Latin culture carries its own history, traditions, and beauty. Like the flowers woven throughout the design, each one is distinct, yet together they create something even more vibrant. Though we come from different places and traditions, we are united in our diversity, and together we bloom.
3. What your Mexican background means to you and how it influenced your design.
My Mexican heritage has shaped who I am and remains one of the most meaningful parts of my identity. Growing up in my family’s store, Camino Real Imports, I was surrounded by the colors, craftsmanship, and traditions of Latin culture every day. Being immersed in an environment filled with handmade art and cultural expression gave me a deep appreciation for the beauty of creating by hand, and that influence continues to inspire my work.
For this design, I drew inspiration from traditions that are deeply connected to my Mexican roots, including Día de los Muertos, the vibrant dresses worn in traditional Mexican folklórico dance, and the symbolic imagery of the sun and moon often found in Mexican folk art. Rather than depicting the sun and moon literally, I reimagined them as representations of day and night.The front of the jersey embodies the warmth and vibrancy of the daytime, while the back transitions into the spirit of the night. There, the woman transforms into a Catrina, honoring the beauty and symbolism of Día de los Muertos. Together, the two sides tell a story of transformation, tradition, and the enduring connection between life, memory, and culture.
