The Costa Rican international’s career took her around the world before landing her in New Jersey
For many professional athletes in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), growing up playing soccer meant playing on club teams starting in elementary or even preschool. For some it meant playing on elite travel teams or Olympic Development Program teams, while for almost all it meant playing for high school and collegiate teams around the country.
But for Raquel Rodriguez, the journey to the NWSL was anything but typical.
Rodriguez, 22, was born in San Jose, Costa Rica. Her father, Sivianno Rodriguez, was a professional soccer player for both Club Sport Herediano and the Costa Rican National Team.