“We only celebrate when he wins,” said Pavia’s brother, Roel Jr., who watches every game closely, often traveling with family from New Mexico to Nashville, as they did for the SEC clash against Alabama. Roel’s words carry weight, especially when you consider the family’s commitment—68 friends and relatives made the trip to support Diego against one of college football’s greatest teams. Pavia’s roots run deep; with a proud Hispanic heritage from his parents, Roel Pavia and Antoinette Padilla, the Vanderbilt star embraces his cultural identity while carrying the weight of his family’s expectations. Diego has two older brothers, Roel Jr. and Javier, and a younger sister, Abrielle.

Diego’s fighter mentality? That comes straight from his mother, who, as a single parent, set high standards for her sons. “She raised me a winner,” Pavia says of his supermom. Born on April 30, 2001, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Diego excelled as a three-sport athlete at Volcano Vista High School, competing in football, baseball, and wrestling. Raised on sports instead of cartoons, Pavia’s competitive spirit was forged early on.

Now, as a genuine believer in Christ, Pavia credits God for all his blessings, and he’ll need every bit of that faith as Vanderbilt looks to contend for a title. “The team is hungry for more,” Coach Clark Lea said. “They want to be great each Saturday.”

While Coach Lea may not have commented on his religious beliefs, he’s got plenty of faith in his quarterback. “Every time he touches the ball, we have a chance!” he exclaimed after Pavia helped upset the former No. 1 Alabama. As the graduate senior eyes a shot at the big leagues, it’s clear that Diego Pavia is heading in the right direction.