Key Highlights
- Miami head coach Mario Cristobal will face the Ole Miss Rebels in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
- Jessica Cristobal, Mario’s wife and a former Miss Florida World, is known for her charitable work.
- The Cristobals have founded the Leading Ladies League and serve on Voices For Children’s board.
- Miami Hurricanes returned home to coach after a successful run at Oregon.
Who Is Miami HC Mario Cristobal’s Wife, Jessica?
While Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal takes the field on Thursday night in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl against the Ole Miss Rebels, his wife Jessica will be cheering him on from the stands. Mario keeps his focus on football as he leads his team into a crucial College Football Playoff semifinal matchup. However, beyond her support of her husband and family, Jessica Cristobal is deeply involved in charitable work that has become a significant part of their lives.
Jessica’s Charitable Work
Jessica and Mario have been married since 2006 and are parents to two sons, Mario Mateo and Rocco. Beyond her role as the wife of a college football coach, Jessica is also known for her charitable efforts. She founded the Leading Ladies League, a social organization that partners with local charities to serve women and children in need. Additionally, she serves on the board of Voices For Children, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth in foster care.
These roles reflect Jessica’s commitment to causes close to her heart. “The care and concern around women’s and children’s needs are near and dear to Jessica’s heart,” Mario has said about his wife’s work.
The Journey Back to Miami
Miami was a dream come true for the Cristobals when Mario returned as head coach in 2021. However, the decision to move back to Miami wasn’t without its challenges. “It’s not been an easy road or an easy path,” Jessica remarked. “The path to success never is, and it’s not going to be now. Rebuilding a program is challenging and takes time, but it’s a challenge that excites Mario.” Despite the difficulties, Jessica expressed pride in her husband’s achievements.
“It’s an incredible and overwhelming experience…That U is everything to him,” she said, referring to Miami University. “It’s so much more than a brand; it’s a culture, a lifestyle, and Miami.”
The Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
With the stakes high in Thursday night’s College Football Playoff semifinal, Mario will have Jessica by his side as he leads the Hurricanes against Ole Miss. The victory could bring significant success to Mario, who previously led the Oregon Ducks with impressive results. “At Oregon, Cristobal posted a 35-13 record,” according to the Hurricanes’ football website. “He led the Ducks to three straight conference championships and won a pair of Pac-12 titles.” The Rose Bowl win over Wisconsin in 2019 further cemented his legacy at Oregon.
The move back to Miami was not an easy decision for the Cristobals, but they remain committed to their new home. “The decision was not easy because we were truly happy there,” Jessica said. “But when the opportunity presented itself, we had to do what would be best long-term for our family.”
As Mario prepares to lead his team into a pivotal game, he’ll have the support of his wife and sons behind him. The Cristobals are fully invested in their journey with the Hurricanes, and Thursday’s game is just another step on that path.