Andrea Rodriguez '18 Recruiting Profile

Switching club teams my freshman year was a big change in my performance as an athlete, an academic student and as a person.  The club team I had played since I was young had a new coach and at first he praised me on how good my skills and performance on the court were.  He even told me how he wanted me on his team as his first setter.  Nevertheless, after team selections I was not picked for the team and he told me I was not selected because he preferred players with height before skills.  I felt rejected and disappointed.  Unfortunately there was nothing I could do about my height.  At that time felt I was not good enough because of his specific requirements for the selection.  When this happened, I decided to tryout for another club and gave it my all as I always do.  I got selected to play for the top 14 under team, not only as the starting setter,  but the Captain and the leader of the team.  My new club was very welcoming, and the coach made the girls feel wanted and unique in each of their positions.  My skills individually got better and better and my team was stronger.  We even got further than my old club team,  making me more confident in myself as well as in my team.  With me as the captain and starting setter,  my team trusted me to lead us to the gold.    Sophomore year I had to move and relocate with my family from Puerto Rico to Florida.  I landed a spot on the high school varsity team and we won District Championships.  Being the new girl and knowing I got selected to play on that team reassured me my original thoughts and feelings.  In sports and in real life, things are not handed to you and usually talent is never enough.  The only thing that will bring you success and results is hard work ethic, trust in yourself and making sure you always persevere through adversities.   With these experiences I learned how to value commitment, dedication, hard work and leadership.  All these things as well as teamwork are needed in and out of the court.  I am looking for a school that can fulfill my academic goals,  get better athletically and at the same time I can show my skills and help others to be better.  The expectations I have for myself are very high because I know what I can do and what I'm capable of achieving.  I am a leader whose character is very determined to achieve her goals and focused on what her future will consist of, this is why I belong in your program!