John Rodriguez '15 Recruiting Profile

My name is John Anthony Rodriguez and I’m a 5’7 150lbs. I’m a 1-meter, 3- meter and platform diver. Although I have not achieved my full capability as a diver, I was fortunate enough to compete in gymnastics at a high level.  I trained at the US Olympic Training Center and was coached by some of the best in the country.  Vitaly Marinich, the US Men’s Gymnastic team coach and Dennis McIntyre, the National Team Director taught me to work hard and how to be a true competitor.  Under their direction and encouragement, I competed at the state, regional, and national level until becoming the youngest club team member to qualify for the JO National Meet.  Vitaly and Dennis mentored me to apply this same work ethic to all areas of my life and helped me become an Academic All-American Athlete.  I remained an Academic All-American my whole time as a competitive gymnast.  However, during the end of my junior year in high school, I transitioned from gymnastics to diving due to a significant wrist injury and an invite from my current coach.

            When I started diving, I recognized that I was able to use my gymnastics skills and strong athletic foundation to progress rather rapidly in diving.   I fell in love with the sport and realized that I enjoyed it more than gymnastics and would like the opportunity to continue competing at a collegiate level.  Therefore, I have worked hard with my club coach and have done all that he has asked of me, to include starting a diving team at my school and still maintain an excellent GPA.  Currently, I am the founder and Captain of the John Paul II Catholic High School diving team and holder of all of the 1m and 3m diving records.  During my training I have learned some difficult dives while also trying to maintain my line-ups and form. My favorite 1m dive is a 105C and my favorite 3m dive is 305C.  I recently attended the Texas Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (TISCA) diving meet and received a total score of a 309.25 on 1 meter.  Although I am new to the sport of diving, my desire to work hard along with a good athletic foundation should allow me to progress rapidly. 

            I was taught from the earliest point that I needed to be more than a one-dimensional athlete.  I learned to also work on who I am as a person, and to strive for excellence in all that I do and I am.  I welcome criticism and advice because I know it will make me a better diver, a better student and better team member. My Catholic faith and its teachings are at the core of my character.  I believe in the virtues that are taught in my Catholic School.  Throughout my high school education I have strived to live up to our school’s virtues of Humility, Faith, Courage, and Love.  These virtues have helped me to become a better student, friend, son, teammate and athlete.