Airyanna Rodriguez’s Hard Work Paves Way To Fayette County Athlete of the Week Honors

The Fayette County Record Schulenburg sophomore basketball player Airyanna Rodriguez knows what it’s like to compete on the big stage. She led her team to the state tournament last year in San Antonio and was the starting center for the Shorthorns. This year, she is upping the ante and looks to bring the state title home to Schulenburg. Rodriguez has scored in double figures in five out of the team’s last seven games and has played an important part as the team recently won seven games in a row. “Very hard working kid,” said Schulenburg head girls basketball coach Phillip Eddins. “Smart, intelligent, picks up things pretty easily. We rely on her for double-digit rebounds on a nightly basis. If she could get us double-digits points, that’s awesome. I think she’s had five double-doubles this year so far, which is second on the team. We rely on her to take care of everything inside. She’s a rim protector on the inside. If they’ve got a big girl, she takes care of that. Early on in the season, she had to miss a few games and you could tell we were having trouble inside the post area without her just because we were missing that size.” The commanding inside presence for Rodriguez has earned her a nomination as this edition’s Player of the Week.

Question: Can you describe the experience of making it to states last year?

Answer: “Me being a freshman, it was a fascinating experience. I feel like for the seniors, it was an amazing experience for them. Me being a freshman and carrying the team, it was amazing. I know that we lost to Shallowater, but I know we played our hardest and we are very proud of the seniors last year. I just want to fulfill and take the spot of someone else that left. This year, we’re definitely going to state. We’re going all the way and we want to clinch that state ring. I know that we have the potential. We have the dedication. All the hard work that we put in every day in practice, on Sundays and open gym, we have the potential to get what it takes. We’re going to go all the way and get the state ring.”

Question: What would you say is the best part about your game when it comes to basketball?

Answer: “Definitely the energy that I give. Coach Eddins always says ‘energy creates opportunity.’ So when we have good energy on the floor, in the stands, and on the bench, we can play our best. I know that all the players on the team have great energy. They always come out ready to play. For me, I always like to let little things get to me, like my mom in the stands. She’s always in my ear. Coach Eddins continually tells me to just block it out and play my game. But I know that energy creates opportunity and with the energy we have, we’re obligated to do anything.”

Question: Do you have a New Year’s resolution? If so, what is it?

Answer: “Yes. Definitely for basketball and school wise, I want to fulfill and do the best that I can. Show out on the court as well as rebounding and blocking out. Getting more points and rebounds because I have to use my body so much inside the paint. I just want to be more to the team and carry more on.”

Question: What’s your favorite establishment to visit in Schulenburg?

Answer: “My favorite establishment to visit would probably be the park because I go there often to play basketball with my friends. It’s just so peaceful down there and we can shoot hoops and walk around. Obviously because of basketball.”

Question: If you had the money to buy anything in the world, what’s the first thing you would buy?

Answer: “There’s a lot I can say, but something that I would buy would probably be a brand new house for my mother or something to help my mother grow. Mostly, something to do with my family. Help my mom get a new car or just a new house in general.”

Question: What are some of your hobbies?

Answer: “Playing basketball. I like to read. I love to catch up on schoolwork. I also like to do makeup. Cosmetics, cosmetology, all of that.”

Question: If you had to pick one person to spend a full day with, who would it be?

Answer: “Definitely Coach Eddins. I would love to spend a day with him. I see him every day, all day in practice and everything, but he’s just so outgoing. He’s a great coach. I can always turn to him when I need something. He’s a great light in my life and he’s a fantastic coach.”

Question: If you had to describe the city of Schulenburg to someone, how would you describe it?

Answer: “I would describe Schulenburg as quiet, but everyone knows who you are. School wise, athletic wise, it’s just a very small town so everybody knows who you are.”

Question: What’s one place where you would choose to go on vacation?

Answer: “Probably to the Bahamas. It’s beautiful out there. I see pictures a lot.”

Question: How has basketball helped you as a person?

Answer: “Basketball has changed me tremendously. Growing up, I was a hard-headed child and I didn’t like to listen. I went down the wrong road a few times, but basketball has definitely put my head back on my shoulders. It gives me something to look up to. I know there’s people younger than me looking up to me, so basketball is my main drive. It drives me to be the best person I can be, it drives me to stay focused in school, and it drives me to be greater. I want to get out of Schulenburg after I graduate. I want to go succeed in life, but definitely basketball has changed my life tremendously.”

Rodriguez has a work ethic and vision that will not only propel her in basketball, but in life as well.