Rocky Rodríguez Bio
Raquel “Rocky” Rodríguez Cedeño is a Costa Rican professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League and the Costa Rica national team. Rodríguez played college soccer for the Penn State Nittany Lions, where she won the NCAA championship and the Hermann Trophy in 2015. She was drafted second overall by Sky Blue FC in the 2016 NWSL College Draft and named NWSL Rookie of the Year in 2016. In 2020, she was traded to Portland Thorns FC, where she won the NWSL Championship in 2022.
Early Life and Background
Raquel Rodríguez Cedeño was born on 28 October 1993 in San José, Costa Rica, to Grettel Cedeño and Sivianni Rodríguez. She was raised in Costa Rica and later moved to the United States, where she found greater opportunities for women’s soccer. Her father, Sivianni Rodríguez, played professionally in Costa Rica with Herediano and represented the Costa Rica men’s national team. Rodríguez began playing soccer at the age of four, participating in boys’ teams and training with her brother and father. At age 11, she joined a women’s under-15 team after trying out for a well-known men’s club team.
Rodríguez attended International Christian School, where she played for the school’s team briefly before committing to Costa Rica’s national teams. Her early exposure to soccer and support from her family laid the groundwork for her future career in the sport.
Path to Soccer
Rodríguez was a four-year starter for the Penn State Nittany Lions from 2012 to 2015. As the team captain in 2015, she led her team to victory at the NCAA College Cup, scoring the game-winning goal against the Duke Blue Devils. During her senior year, she received numerous accolades, including the NSCAA Scholar Player of the Year and the Hermann Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top soccer player. Her impressive college career set the stage for her entry into professional soccer.
In 2016, Rodríguez was selected second overall by Sky Blue FC in the NWSL College Draft. In her rookie season, she scored one goal in 18 matches and was named NWSL Rookie of the Year. Her rapid rise in the league showcased her talent and determination, earning her recognition as one of the promising players in women’s soccer.
Rocky Rodríguez Career
Early Career (2016–2019)
Rodríguez began her professional career with Sky Blue FC in 2016, where she made an immediate impact. She scored the fastest goal in NWSL history, netting just 24 seconds into a match against Portland Thorns FC. Her performance during her rookie season earned her the NWSL Rookie of the Year award. In 2017, she continued to develop her skills and contributed significantly to her team’s efforts.
In 2018, Rodríguez joined Perth Glory on loan for the W-League season, becoming the first Central American player to participate in the league. This experience broadened her exposure and allowed her to compete at a higher level.
Breakthrough (2020–2023)
In January 2020, Rodríguez was traded to Portland Thorns FC. During her time with the Thorns, she continued to excel, scoring goals and assisting her team in various matches. In 2022, she played a crucial role in leading the Thorns to the NWSL Championship, solidifying her status as a key player in the league.
In 2024, Rodríguez was acquired by Angel City FC, where she made her debut after recovering from a concussion. She quickly adapted to her new team, scoring her first goal for Angel City in June 2024. However, she was traded to Kansas City Current in December 2024, marking another chapter in her professional journey.
Notable Works and Milestones
Rodríguez’s signature achievements include winning the NCAA College Cup and the Hermann Trophy during her college career, as well as being named NWSL Rookie of the Year. Her contributions to the Portland Thorns in winning the NWSL Championship in 2022 further highlight her impact in women’s soccer.
Rocky Rodríguez Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Raquel Rodríguez has received several nominations for her outstanding performances, particularly during her college years and in the NWSL.
Rocky Rodríguez Awards Won
Raquel Rodríguez has achieved notable accolades, including the NWSL Rookie of the Year in 2016, the NCAA College Cup Champion in 2015, and the Hermann Trophy in the same year. She also won the NWSL Championship with Portland Thorns in 2022.
Rocky Rodríguez Family
Raquel Rodríguez is the daughter of Grettel Cedeño and Sivianni Rodríguez. Her family has been supportive of her soccer career, with her father having a professional background in the sport, which influenced her early interest in soccer.
Personal Life
Details about Raquel Rodríguez’s personal life are limited, focusing primarily on her professional achievements and contributions to soccer. She remains dedicated to her career and continues to represent her country on the international stage.