Heritage Association Spotlight: Amy Rodriguez

The Heritage Association Spotlight was created to profile USC student-athlete alumni who give back to the University.

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Despite traveling the world for her career, professional soccer player Amy Rodriguez's strongest connection is to the city of Los Angeles. "I say I am from LA. I grew up in Southern California and stayed there until my professional career took me elsewhere. But I always call LA 'home.'"

Originally from Lakewood, Calif., Amy Rodriguez first tried her hand at soccer at the age of 5, moving from recreation leagues to club teams by age 12. As a young athlete, Rodriguez learned early on the challenges associated with playing sports. "I was 12 when I experienced my first obstacles as a soccer player," she says. "I tried out for a really good club team and the coach said I wasn't good enough. That hit me hard because I really wanted to play for them. It made me realize, though, that there is always a way to the top of the mountain. You are going to face some highs and lows, and you just have to ride through them."

However, as a forward at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Rodriguez began gaining recognition for her capabilities as a female athlete winning the 2003 and 2004 Parade All-American, 2005 Gatorade Player of the Year, and 2005 EA Sports and NSCAA Player of the Year. By her senior year, Rodriguez was considered one of the nation's top recruits as the Los Angeles Times' Girls' Soccer Player of the Year.

"When I think back to high school, I don't think I realized my potential," she says. "I was just enjoying the sport and enjoying the game. I didn't realize where my career was headed, but things kept happening for me—I am really fortunate."

Rodriguez attributes much of her success as a soccer player to her family, her parents in particular.

"I wasn't very serious about soccer until 15 or 16 years old," she jokes. "So, I am very fortunate to have had the parents I did who put me in all the right spots and gave me the best opportunities to make my own way. My dad was always kind of strict and demanded hard work. Those little pieces of guidance played a role in my success, when I look back on it. My family was always supportive and sacrificed a lot for me growing up. I came from a very humble background, but my parents did a great job raising us."

Her successes as a high school athlete earned Rodriguez attention from every major soccer program in the country, from Stanford to the University of Virginia and UCLA. But, one university stood out in particular: the University of Southern California.

"From the moment I stepped on USC's campus, it just felt like where I was supposed to be," she says. "At the time, USC hadn't really established itself as a top-tier soccer program, so when I committed it made a lot of heads turn. I went with my gut, though, and I knew it would be the best university, both on and off the field."

Under head coach Jim Millinder, Rodriguez continued to play at forward as a USC Women's Soccer player. During her first year alone, Rodriguez was named the 2005 Pac-10 Freshman of the Year, a member of the Soccer Times All-America Third Team, and was selected to the All-Pac-10 First Team and Pac-10 All-Freshman Team. Following her 2005 performance, Rodriguez went on to be selected to compete with the United States under-20 national team.

"At this point, I'd learned to work diligently and work hard. I have always been really competitive—even practice was fun for me—but throw in papers, other school work, and the physical exhaustion—it was hard work and a real balancing act." She says.

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Following the Trojan's National Championship win in 2007, Rodriguez was selected to compete on the United States Women's National Soccer team at the 2008 Summer Olympics where she would go on to win her first gold medal.

"But, something had to give," she says. "It was such a sacrifice to compete at that level. Training for the Olympics was hard—anything like that requires the best of the best. So, I decided to leave USC a semester early. I had to take a step away from school to fulfill my career path."

She would later return to USC to complete her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology.

Rodriguez currently resides in Salt Lake City, Utah. She signed with the Utah Royals after her iconic performance at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup where she started in all 18 games; and gold medal win at the 2012 London Olympics.

"No matter the team I was a part of, I always drew from my experience as an athlete at USC," she says. "At USC, I learned the benefit of team chemistry and team unity. It's not always about technique, but who plays the best together."

When asked to reflect on her athletic career, Rodriguez cites USC as the most pivotal moment in her journey: "When I look back, I have a huge smile because I enjoyed all of my college experience. Attending USC was a turning point for me. It's where my soccer career really took off and I am so grateful that I had such a great platform at a school like USC."

As for the future, USC will always be close to Amy.

"I absolutely love being a part of the Trojan family. One of the best decisions I ever made to attend USC. It's where I grew as a player and as a person; it's where I met my husband; and I pray that one day, one of my little kids will go there too."

Fun Facts

How do you continue to stay connected with the University?
"I am still very connected to USC. When we can, my husband and I (also a USC student-athlete alum) go back and visit. Last year I came to train with the team a couple of times and I love being part of any soccer team alumni events."

Who do you look up to as a role model?
"I have always looked up to Serena Williams as a strong, female athlete that basically owned her sport and did so well for so many years. She is a huge inspiration for young female athletes."

What is one piece of advice you would give to current student-athletes?
"Stay focused on what you want to accomplish and prioritize your time."

Can you describe your athletic journey in three words?
"Not done yet."

If you are a member of the USC student-athlete alumni community, or would like more information about the Heritage Association, please click here!

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