Jon-Luke Rodriguez '20 Recruiting Profile

    I was 11 years old when I first looked down at the ball at my feet and realized I wanted to become the best soccer player in the world. I grew up playing soccer, here and there, not as competitively as I do now. It was always just a way to relax for me, I never felt any hurry or anxiety it was just the best part of my day. Slowly I began to grow into my playing style and abilities and it was clear to everyone around me I had a gift for the sport.  If it wasn't for my parents I wouldn't be in this position today, they showed me what real determination and drive looks like. My mom while caring for four children started her own non profit business to help women who are either caring for children on there own or just stuck in poverty. She showed me that if you really put your heart to anything you can do it. My father being a first generation college graduate showed me how to work for what you want. He came to this country around my age, knowing zero English, very little money, few family members close by, and is now a Senior Manager/System engineering at the company Verizon. Still blows my mind till this day. I'm truly blessed to have there influence in my life.  Not only have my parents been influential to me but my brother Marco showed me to never doubt your size. My brother is 5'3 and joined the marines 2 years ago. I can't imagine what he went through at boot camp, but now, he's one of the top marksman in his platoon and is now a Corporal in the United States Marine Corp. 

    After playing this sport for 11 years I've come to realize above all I am a hard worker. When I joined my first club team I was nowhere as good as the players in my position. But I worked, and worked, and worked day in day out, on and off the field and my coach saw that and the first game I started in I scored in the first 5 minutes of the game. The second thing I've learned about myself is that I always push through a challenge. Through sports and my Academics if I faced a problem I would go at it for days if I needed to. I'd never give up because I was always setting an example for the younger boys I'd mentor and train during the summer.  Academically I really began to push and challenge myself my Sophomore year.  I go to a Christian private school that is very advanced and I do my best to stay ahead of the massive workload and also play soccer.  My personal goal this year is to stay on a solid 3.5 GPA and shoot for even higher.  And for College my goal is to get into the best college that suits my academic and athletic abilities. In every team I've been on I've always been a leader, regardless if the band is on my arm and I want to continue this run into my Collegiate career.