D3 Week Wildcat Spotlight: Margaritah Banuelos

GRATEFUL FOR WHERE SHE’S AT

The youngest of seven siblings, Margaritah Bañuelos uses her strong faith to manage the demands of two majors and two sports

For Margaritah Bañuelos, everything circles back to faith, family, and finding purpose, both on and off the court. The Linfield University volleyball setter and track & field thrower juggles two sports, two majors and one calling that keeps her grounded: her faith.

Athletics have always been woven into her family story. 

“My sisters chose volleyball first and I just followed in their footsteps,” says Bañuelos. “I started in fifth grade and I’ve loved it ever since.” 

In terms of academics, her decision to pursue two majors was inspired by a desire to strike her own path.

“I have six siblings and I’m the youngest girl,” Bañuelos says. “I chose to be a lawyer when I was 5, mostly because everyone chose everything else. It worked out though, because I ended up loving it.” 

She also came in thinking she’d go into psychology. But unable to decide, she chose to take on the challenge and major in both. She also picked up a minor in religion, a decision rooted in her values as much as her studies. 

“Religion is a big part of my life, and since I’m an FCA leader, I felt like it was something I needed,” Bañuelos says. “It’s been a really good thing.”

Back home, both of Bañuelos’ parents are deeply involved at church, teaching and running Sunday school lessons every week. Observing their commitment as she grew up only strengthened her attachment to her faith. “It’s always just been a big part of my life,” she says. 

Whenever life gets hectic, she turns back to scripture. “When people ask how I balance everything, two majors, two sports, it’s literally God being by my side that keeps me grounded.”

This year, Bañuelos has really embraced her role on the executive board of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at Linfield. But she wasn’t as confident in this conviction until a former teammate pushed her to take the chance. 

“When FCA started, there were only about five of us who went regularly,” she says. “My captain last year, Paige Richards, asked me to help lead. At first, I said ‘No, I didn’t feel ready.’ I told her, ‘I still have so much room to grow. How am I supposed to help others if I don’t know everything?’”

Paige’s response? 

“That hit me hard,” Bañuelos says. “I said ‘Yes’ right after that. And it’s been the biggest blessing.” FCA has grown so much in the past year, and she’s grown with it, finding purpose in connecting with others through faith. 

Roommate and close friend Rhysa Huffman has felt connection first hand. 

“Margaritah is the kind of person who instantly makes you feel comfortable, valued and supported in all aspects. She gives the best advice and is truly a light in anyone’s life.”

She also credits her mother and father, Oriana and Roy, for their faith, work ethic and love. “They worked so hard to make sure we grew up in faith and loved each other,” she says. “I didn’t realize until college that not all siblings are close. I’m so grateful for that bond.”

Through it all, classes, practices, leadership and life, Margaritah says she’s learned to find peace in presence.