With big dreams and determination, sophomore runner Teagen Rodriguez is our GENESIS athlete of the week!

GENESIS: What sports do you play?

TEAGEN RODRIGUEZ: Track and cross country.

G: What made you start playing sports?

TR: I was an energetic kid who needed an outlet to relieve my energy levels.

G: If you could play any sport that you haven’t already, what sport would you play? Why? 

TR: I would do boxing because it’s such a thrill and it’s out of my comfort zone.

G: What is your favorite sport to play, or to watch? Why?

TR: My favorite sport is track and xc because when running I can control what happens and I won’t have to rely on teammates as much.

G: When did you start playing sports?

TR: I started sports when I was in kindergarten I was a wrestler and from there I did soccer and realized I was just a good runner and running became my sport.

G: Do you plan on playing sports in college? After college?  Why or why not?

TR: Yes, I plan on running in college.

G: What are your greatest achievements in sports? 

TR: I received the Junior Bringle award and Best Male Athlete of the Year in 8th grade.

G: If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself, regarding sports?

TR: I would go back and tell my 8th grade self that to stretch some more before Big 11 because my knee is going to give out in the last 100 meters.

G: If you could give advice to anyone interested in sports, what advice would you give?

TR: I would tell people that if you’re gonna do sports, you need to give it your all and not just float but be there and become someone.

G: Who inspires you, in sports?

TR: My inspirations are Eluid Kipchoge and Steve Prefontaine and Bruce Lee.

G: What drives your performance in sports?

TR: My drive is to become an Olympian and to become the best at what I do but also to show my mom that all her effort is not for nothing.

G: Is there anything you wish to gain from playing sports?

TR: I wish to be recognized and mostly self-gratification.

G: What are your goals, regarding sports?

TR: I want to run under 4 minutes and win an Olympic medal.

G: What are your struggles in athletics?

TR: I struggle with being too hard on myself.

G: Do you have any regrets, regarding sports?

TR: I only regret not stretching enough in 8th grade.

G: What are you most proud of, regarding sports? Why?

TR: I’m proud of running in the low 17s and I’m coming for the 16s. I’m proud because my hard work is paying off.

G: If you could go back in time, what would you do differently, regarding sports?

TR: I wish I would’ve quit soccer sooner.

G: Are there any obstacles that you have overcome?

TR: Yes, I was always shorter than my competitors and them being taller meant that they had longer strides, so I had to work 3 times harder than they did.

G: What would you say to your coaches, if you were able to say anything at all?

TR: If I could tell my coaches anything, I would tell them thank you because they’re the ones who helped shape and form me into the person I am. Mr.Homo has been the one to fuel my fiery passion to compete. Thanks to all of them for  giving me this outlet. Without it, I’d probably be getting into trouble.