JEFF FIELDER Editor
SCOTTSBLUFF – Deanna Rodriguez, a senior at Scottsbluff High School, is this week’s Nspire Today! Female Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. Rodriguez has been playing soccer since she was 4 years old, and she was one of two seniors on this year’s Scottsbluff High School girls soccer team. The spring sports season ended up being cancelled because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Rodriguez, who played high school soccer in Littleton, Colorado, her freshman and sophomore years, was on Scottsbluff High School’s varsity soccer team her junior and senior years. She said she’s hoping to play on WNCC’s soccer team this next school year. In addition to playing soccer, she’s involved in Educator’s Rising at SHS. Her parents are Stephanie Sanchez and Ben Rodriguez. For being named an Athlete of the Week, Deanna will receive a gift card for a free drink at Scooter’s Coffee.
Q: What were your expectations for both the team and yourself going into this soccer season?
RODRIGUEZ: “I was hoping that we would all come together really well as a team. I was expecting us to be a good team, so it’s disappointing that we didn’t get to play even one game. For myself, I was hoping to be a captain, and I wanted to do whatever I could to be a supportive teammate and help the other girls keep their heads up.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed playing soccer over the years, and why did soccer become the sport you focused on the most?
RODRIGUEZ: “I like soccer because I’ve been playing it since I was really young. I love running, and every time I play the sport, it makes me feel good. I’ve tried other sports, but I’m not as good at them compared to soccer. I like kicking the ball – not using my hands – and using my speed.”
Q: What position do you play in soccer?
RODRIGUEZ: “I mostly play mid-field. I’ve always played mid-fielder or attacker. I like mid-field the most because I can play back if I want to, but I can also go up to score goals.”
Q: How much progress do you feel like you made between your junior and senior years?
RODRIGUEZ: “I feel like my footwork has gotten better, and my speed has improved, too. I’ve also gotten to know some of the other girls a lot more, which helps a lot.”
Q: What went through your mind when you found out this soccer season was canceled?
RODRIGUEZ: “I was really disappointed because it was my senior year, and I felt like this could have been a good year to show how much I’ve improved. This is what I looked forward to my whole senior year – playing soccer.”
Q: Have you ever played any other sport?
RODRIGUEZ: “I used to play basketball. I played basketball from third grade up to my freshman year.”
Q: Why did you start playing soccer when you were little?
RODRIGUEZ: “When I was younger, my brother used to play soccer, and I think that’s what made me want to do it. Also, all my siblings have played soccer. Our family really likes soccer.”
Q: You said you’re hoping to play soccer at WNCC. Has playing college soccer always been one of your goals?
RODRIGUEZ: “Yes, it has been a big goal of mine. I didn’t want to quit playing soccer after high school because it’s my favorite sport. I’ve been playing it most of my life.”
Q: What do you plan to major in at college?
RODRIGUEZ: “I plan to major in elementary education. I would love to be an elementary teacher.”
Q: What got you interested in being an elementary teacher?
RODRIGUEZ: “When I was little, I used to play teacher with my sisters. [laughs] I’ve always liked going to school and seeing my teachers. I like the impact that teachers make on students. I’ve always wanted to be an elementary teacher because I like working with little kids.”
Q: What do you like about WNCC?
RODRIGUEZ: “I like that it’s here where I’ve grown up my whole life. I want to stay close to my family. I know I’ll have to transfer after two years here, but I’d like to stay close to my family for a while. Plus, I think it’s a really good school.”
Q: What do you like about living in Scottsbluff?
RODRIGUEZ: “I like that everyone knows each other. I also like that my friends are here. I also like that it’s a smaller community. I like visiting big cities, but I don’t like living in big cities.”
Q: Outside of your school activities, what do you like to do for fun?
RODRIGUEZ: “I like to hang out with my friends and hang out with my family. I also like to work. I work at a daycare [Kids R Us in Scottsbluff]. I love being around little kids, so work is fun.”
Q: What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
RODRIGUEZ: “I mostly enjoy listening to rap or today’s hits.”
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
RODRIGUEZ: “My favorite TV show is All American.”
Q: What is your favorite local restaurant?
RODRIGUEZ: “Rosita’s.”
Q: What do you like to order there?
RODRIGUEZ: “I like their smothered bean burrito plate.”
Q: What do you think is the coolest attraction in the WyoBraska region?
RODRIGUEZ: “I think the coolest attraction is the Monument. That’s what brings everyone here.”
Q: Who do you think is one of the kindest students at Scottsbluff High School?
RODRIGUEZ: “Kayler Soule. She’s a senior. She’s a really kind student. I’ve known her since elementary school. She’s always had a big heart. She’s always making sure that everyone is OK.”
Q: What are your three favorite apps on your cell phone?
RODRIGUEZ: “TikTok, Snapchat, and Netflix.”
Q: If you could give a shoutout to one business in Scottsbluff, which one would it be and why?
RODRIGUEZ: “I would give a shoutout to my grandma’s business, which is ACCS. She helps people who are in need. She’s a drug and alcohol counselor, so she’s always helping people and getting them to where they need to be. She picks people up and puts them back on their feet when they feel like there’s no one else to help them.”
Q: Do you have any siblings?
RODRIGUEZ: “Yes, I do. They are Ben Rodriguez (21), Danielle Rodriguez (15), Da’Monique Rodriguez (12), Victor Mata (5), and Andriana Mata (2).”
If you would like to nominate someone for Nspire Today!’s Athletes of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, you may do so by sending an email to jeff.fielder@nspiretoday.com or by mailing a letter to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. Nominations may also be submitted by sending a text to 308-220-8865.
In addition to being recognized online, athletes of the week will also be recognized in Nspire Today! magazine. To sign up for a one-year subscription (12 issues) to the magazine, please send $15 to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. To pay with a credit card, please call 308-220-8865.
For all your insurance needs, visit The Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance, located at 1012 Ave. I in Scottsbluff, or call 308-632-8598.
