Reyes Rodriguez '18 Recruiting Profile

Greetings,

My name is Reyes Rodriguez and I am currently an athlete heavily involved with my schools cross country and track and field program.  Participating in my schools running program has been my passion for my high school and middle school career.  Like any athlete, I have faced many obstacles such as the following:  injuries, balancing academics with athletics and defeat.  While these challenges have been difficult to overcome, they have also helped develop me into a stronger person and runner.  It would be a personal goal of mine to continue my love for running at the collegiate level. 
             One of the biggest challenges that I have had to overcome occurred during my sophomore year of high school.  During a morning run, I tripped and I had an injury that required ten stiches on my leg.  Needless to say I was on crutches and was unable to participate in any of the cross country meets in the month of September.  Thankfully, my doctor informed me that it wasn’t a serious injury and that I should be able to run in four weeks when my stitches healed.  Naturally, I was devastated and I felt defeated.  I had trained hard in the summer and I felt strong physically.  However, I did not wallow up in pity and feel sorry for myself.  This setback disappointed me but it also motivated me.  I was determined to work hard and stay healthy.  While I was going to miss some meets I could still run at the District meet.  In four weeks I was back on the cross country circuit.  At the District meet I came in 10^th place and qualified for regional meet.  I was excited because I was able to place in the top ten for the first time in my high school career.  At the regional meet, I came in first for my high school team and came in over-all 23^rd, my personal best.  I felt that I performed above expectations considering being sidelined for a month during the cross country season. 
         My education has always been of importance to me and I have always strived to achieve high grades in my classes.  I have enrolled in predominantly pre-AP and AP classes and I have been very successful in these classes.  I am at the top of my class and I have successfully balanced my academics with my extra-curricular activities.  Due to my grade point average and my involvement in other activities such as FFA, video game club, junior class, athletics and band I was inducted into the National Honor Society.  I am currently serving as secretary of this organization my senior year.
           While I have experienced many successes in my running career, I have also experienced many defeats.  My sophomore year I qualified to state and failed to make the awards podium.  I received fifth place in the 800 meter run at the state meet and I was disappointed.  The following year I came back “hungrier” and more determined to medal at state.  My hard work and determination paid off and I took home the silver medal in the 800 and I also ran my personal best. 
           In conclusion, I believe that the challenges and successes that I have faced has shaped me not only as better runner but a better person.  I hope that the experiences that I have had both academically and athletically have prepared me to continue to run at the collegiate level.