Oct. 8, 2014 UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -
By Miranda Kulp, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Raquel "Rocky" Rodriguez epitomizes the idea that it's more important to play for what's on the front of one's jersey.
Not only is Rodriguez a leader on the Penn State women's soccer team, she also has been a part of Costa Rican Women's National Team since 2012 and will be traveling with them this week as begin to prepare for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.
"It's a deep feeling when playing for my country," Rodriguez said. "I played for them before coming to Penn State so it's always nice returning to them."
The Costa Rican Women's National Team will be competing in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Women's Championship, which takes place Oct. 15-26. The tournament gives them a chance to qualify for the 2015 FIFA World Cup.
For a rising soccer nation like Costa Rica, this is an opportunity of a lifetime.
With the Nittany Lions midway in the season and the Costa Rican team making moves towards the World Cup, Rodriguez credits her teammates, coaches, professors and family for keeping her organized and able to balance her demanding schedule.
"It's all about discipline and staying organized," she said.
As a junior majoring in exercise physiology, Rodriguez also takes time to make sure she is maintaining her grades.
"The way I look at it, wherever I am, that's what I'll focus on. If I'm on the field, I'll play my hardest. If I'm in class, I'm focused on studying," said Rodriguez
As one of the upper classmen on the team this season, Rodriguez stands as a role model for the younger players and is able to keeps everyone focused during the game.
"She's made my transition to Penn State so easy," freshman midfielder Emily Ogle said. "She's the type of person that is always offering to help with anything.
"She is such a role model on and off the field," Ogle contined. "Her passion for the sport and her skill level makes her a player we can all look up to."
In her third year with the Nittany Lions, Rodriguez is dominating the midfield. She has scored five times this season, and is continuing to improve her game.
"Just watching her grow the past years has been awesome," junior forward Mallory Weber said. "Whether she is playing for Penn State or Costa Rica, she always gives it her all.
"She is a determined person all around, and knows how to motivate everyone on the team."
Whether she's wearing the Blue and White or her Costa Rican jersey, Rodriguez represents something much larger than herself when she plays.
She is a passionate player and role model for female athletes. Her determination and drive is something everyone can look up to.
"When I play," Rodriguez said, "I know I represent many different things. I represent my country, my school and my family. It motivates me to play my best. I not only want to do great for them but for myself, as well.
"My biggest goal is to after school return to Costa Rica and be a role model," she said. "I want to help shape women's soccer for the next generation. When I return, I want to prove that women can be both great athletes and students."