“Coach, I believe in you, and I know what you do. I know what you mean to kids. I know your work ethic, and I know we’re going to get there.”

Those words were spoken by legendary High School football coach Anthony Criss about fellow coach Joey Rodriguez at his memorial service in October 2021. Coach Rodriguez, a longtime coach, leader and mentor passed away from complications due to COVID, breaking the hearts of thousands across the state and country.

Coach Rodriguez was a hardworking and determined individual. Growing up with limited resources, he often collected cans and saved money to afford what he needed. That work ethic is what drove him to be successful in all he did. His dedication to his sport and strong academic performance is what propelled him to graduate with honors from Abilene High School in 1995 and then earn a bachelor's degree from Hardin-Simmons University, where he played a key role in helping the men’s soccer team win two conference championships and was awarded several accolades.

Rodriguez dedicated much of his life to learning more about soccer, coaching, leadership and mentoring as he took an active role in the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches where he was sitting president at the time of his passing. Beyond playing and coaching, he had a deep love for guiding young athletes on and off the field. Many attribute his academic tutoring and personal connections to their opportunities to play both collegiately and professionally. His passion for the sport left a lasting impact so rich that a new junior high school named in his honor will open in Arlington, Texas, in the fall of 2025.

Coach Rodriguez was not just a great soccer coach, but a loving family man. Everyone who knew him admired how loyal, kind and supportive he was. Rodriguez always made time for his family even with his busy coaching career, whether it was tending to them while they were sick, coaching them as they grew into soccer players or just talking to them about their day and dreams. No matter what challenges he faced, he would come home with a smile on his face, a consistent, calming spirit for those around him. His goal was to make everyone feel important and valued and that they did (and still do). This life well lived was evident in the outpouring of love and support he and his family received during his illness and eventual passing as he was featured in articles and news stories across the state of Texas.

Like Rodriguez, I am a soccer player, sibling, child, academic and artist. Rodriguez’s story relates to me because he represents the kind of person I am and strive to be. He’s one who believed in hard work and loyalty. His ability to balance his career and family guided me to develop a balance with my school and personal life. He showed me that even with humble beginnings, my dedication and work ethic can create success. I want to be as bright and impactful as he was, encompassing the amount of joy he came home with every day. I want to one day have a career I love and go home to show even more love to my family. I know my dedication and belief will help me with my journey, and Coach Rodriguez’s story helped me understand that.

Thanks to Joey Rodriguez I know that being a good role model isn’t just about what you accomplish but about how you treat others. I will let that leadership, kindness, and determination guide me. I would not have had the faith, balance, courage, drive and kindness I have today if it wasn’t for Coach Rodriguez, or who I call dad. May his legacy continue through myself, our family and the students he coached and all that will learn about him through our stories, connections, and this essay.