AANHPI Month with Gotham

Celebrated every May, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month honors the generations of AANHPI communities who have shaped our culture, community, and the game itself.

At Gotham FC, we’re showcasing the stories of three of our very own players who proudly represent their diverse heritages – Andrea Kitahata, Jaedyn Shaw, and Teagan Wy. 

Meet Andrea Kitahata

Andrea's grandfather was a swimmer in Japan where he later qualified for the Olympic team. After WWII, he immigrated to the U.S. and became Chairman of Yale's Anesthesiology Department.

“My grandfather is a massive inspiration to me, and my biggest tie to the culture.”

Meet Jaedyn Shaw

Jaedyn is half Vietnamese and proudly expresses her heritage through fashion. Last season, Jaedyn had an áo dài, the national garment of Vietnam, custom made with her kit. 

“Fashion is a way to highlight a side of myself that not a lot of people see. It is something I hold very dearly and is one way to express how proud I am of my culture.”

Meet Teagan Wy

Growing up half Filipino, Teagan felt most connected to her culture at her grandma’s house. This connection runs deep. Wy designed her own tattoo showcasing the Philippines' national flower, a white jasmine, and the Filipino sun. 

“To me, the core values of being Filipino are family, selflessness, togetherness, and community.”

Meet Dianna Higaki

Dianna is a designer for Gotham who brings visual design to life in the stadium, on social media, and beyond. To celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month, Dianna collaborated with our players to bring their visions to life. Each symbol throughout the entire piece is representative of our player’s stories. 

These stories aren’t just part of our club – they’re an integral part of the game. And this month, we’re bringing them to life at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Want your very own print of this one-of-a-kind design? Join us on Sunday, May 31st at our match vs. Houston Dash and grab a free postcard featuring our AANHPI Heritage Month artwork.

Be sure to show up early – there will be 4,500 prints available for the first fans through the gates.