Daniel Rodriguez '20 Recruiting Profile

  Experiencing many changes in my life, I have learned how to adapt to many challenges. My fathers’ military service has resulted in 6 moves and an attendance of over 7 different schools . Starting a new school, a new sport, and living in a new area was difficult at first but my prior experiences supported me through this process. At my first sweep states during  freshman year, I was substituted and told I was not going to race a week prior to states, as a sophomore I was taken out of the 2^nd varsity boat upon the arrival of newer and faster teammates, and junior year I was taken out of a boat I had practiced with for over 8 months with one month in advance. Despite these challenges, I remembered my past and the value of patience, respect, and trust so I had faith in my coaches and moved forward. I traveled as a freshman to states to support my team, I stopped taking positions for granted as a sophomore, and I took leadership of my new boat my junior year .     

  Junior year was a key component of my growth. With more experience and success at rowing came more work and responsibility. Early morning and afternoon practices, weekend practices, AP and Honors courses, all amounted to a difficult year.  Although challenging to manage, I was driven by a deep respect for my teammates and all the hard work we had put in. During the spring season of my junior year, I began to assume a leadership role at my program frequently organizing team meetings, consulting athletes on their concerns individually, and communicating more with my coaches and captains on the future of our rowing team.  

The culmination of experience, dedication, and work would lead my boat to a state championship and my team to a sculling states scholastic championship. I am confident that I can continue to improve my skills, motivate my teammates, and successfully perform at any program.