Grayslake Central junior midfielder Dahlia Rodriguez played soccer with boys when she was a kid.
Rodriguez looks back at that as a formative experience.
“I’m the soccer player I am today because of playing against boys,” she said. “I grew up with some varsity players at Round Lake, Libertyville and Grayslake Central. I started at 6 years old because there wasn’t a girls team for my age. After that, I just stuck with it. I played on boys teams for years.”
Rodriguez recalls the challenge the boys presented.
“They wouldn’t pass it to me, so I knew I had to work for my spot,” she said. “They helped me learn the game. They were way more aggressive.”
But Round Lake senior forward Yahir Hernandez said Rodriguez pushed the boys too.
“Dahlia played with fearlessness, passion and a relentless attitude that set her apart,” Hernandez said. “Her energy and aggression on the field challenged stereotypes.”
Rodriguez is doing her part for the Rams (1-4-2) this season amid a tough schedule. She has four goals and five assists.
Grayslake Central coach Keith Andersson said Rodriguez, a third-year varsity player, can influence a game a number of ways.
“Dahlia can play anywhere,” Andersson said. “Her skill set can allow her to be a goal scorer, creator or even a lockdown defender.
“Her enthusiasm for the game is contagious. She always wants to work, and she does work. She is consistently training or playing.”
Rodriguez said she has made a point to become a versatile player.
“I’ll play anywhere they need me,” she said. “I’ve played every position in soccer. I even played goalie. It’s helped me a lot in how I’m able to use my body when a defender is trying to shield me off or with my touch in the midfield and also being able to read the game.”
Rodriguez continued to try to get better in the offseason.
“I worked on my shots and my touch a lot since last year,” she said. “I’m always trying to fix little things. I also got better at being able to take a touch away from a defender and being able to go 1v1.”
Rodriguez, who had three goals and two assists and was named All-Northern Lake County Conference last season, has received a few offers from college programs.
“I have big goals for myself,” she said. “My goal ever since I was young is to play Division I and go professional from there. It’s exciting and also nerve-wracking.”
Andersson is confident that Rodriguez has a bright future.
“Dahlia’s potential is through the roof,” Andersson said. “She is easily a Division I player. Her vision and soccer IQ are off the charts.”
Rodriguez sets an example for teammates too.
“Dahlia is a very strong leader because she leads by her dedication and play both on and off the field,” Andersson said. “Coming from a shy, quiet freshman to a strong, dominating player her junior year, you can see her growth.”
Rodriguez doesn’t shy away from her dedication to the sport. She has played only soccer in high school.
“Soccer makes me happy,” she said. “Soccer is genuinely my life.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
