Student: Alexandrea Rodriguez
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Alexandrea is currently deciding between attending UC Berkeley or staying in Bakersfield to attend CSUB. She is interested in going into the medical field with interest in nursing or sports medicine.
GPS Focus: SERVICE
What Makes Alexandrea #BulldogSTRONG: Whether it is in the classroom, on campus, and in the community, one of the major tenets of being #BulldogSTRONG as a student at Golden Valley High School is the selfless ability to be of SERVICE to others. Some of the ways students can display SERVICE is by supporting their peers, treating everyone with kindness, and being helpful to others. In the world of athletics and team sports, this is called being a good teammate and perhaps no one exemplifies that more than GVHS Senior Alexandrea Rodriguez. As a two year volleyball player and current captain for the Lady Bulldogs, Alexandrea has become one of the key leaders on the team for her positivity and for the genuine care that she has for her teammates. In her first year playing volleyball as a sophomore, Alexandrea’s positive outlook and hard work resulted in her being selected as the Most Improved by her team. This year, her continued growth, optimism. and play in the middle and right side have been integral in the resurgence of the Bulldogs as they are currently 12-11-2, a vast improvement to the 1-24-1 record in 2019-2020. For Alexandrea, the team’s success is rooted in trust, communication, and having the right mindset during each match and sometimes on each play. “The most rewarding aspect of playing volleyball at Golden Valley is getting to get along with my teammates,” Alexandrea graciously states, “Our team bond is very strong because we communicate very well and we focus on each play as it comes up. I love that our team focuses on building each other up and tries to minimize drama and distractions.”
In addition to her play and her commitment to her teammates on the volleyball court, Alexandrea brings those same dynamics to the softball diamond as captain of the Lady Bulldogs softball team. Always willing to put the team ahead of her own ambitions, Alexandrea primarily plays first base, but has also played every outfield position as well as second base. “I have to give credit to both Coach Toerners,” Alexandria humbly comments, “They are two very good coaches that have taught me a lot about the game of softball. They put me in a lot of different positions I've never played before and as a result, they made me become a better player.” As a junior, Alexandrea had a solid batting average, but she left her mark on the field as she played a stellar first base where her fielding percentage ranked among the top in Kern County along with 42 putouts. This past Spring, Alexandrea and her Lady Bulldog teammates had a 13-6 record including an impressive win against Kern County power Shafter High School as well as a first round playoff win against Desert High School. Beyond the success that she was part of, Alexandrea is quick to cherish the everyday moments with her teammates. “The most memorable moments playing softball at GVHS are meeting all the new players that come out each year,” comments Alexandrea, “In the Spring, I was able to meet a lot of new freshmen and sophomores that will one day leave their mark on the GVHS softball program. I also enjoyed Senior Night as well because I was able to celebrate their accomplishments and leadership.” For the SERVICE she exhibits through her optimism, selfless behavior, and in her commitment to being the best possible teammate she can be as a volleyball and softball player for the Bulldogs, Alexandrea Rodriguez is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Alexandrea: "#BulldogSTRONG to me is being your own leader and making sure that people around you, including yourself, have the right mindset which focuses on successfully achieving goals that we set. #BulldogSTRONG also to keep our campus looking clean.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Alexandrea:
“Alex aka ‘A-Rod’ is one of our captains on the Varsity volleyball team; she is a true leader. Alex has the most enthusiasm and is always supportive of her teammates. Many times she has lifted up her teammates in tough situations; she makes our job a lot easier.” Bill Richardson, PE Department Chair and Head Varsity Volleyball Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Alex is one of the most selfless athletes I've ever had the privilege of coaching. She is an amazing teammate to the girls, whether on or off the court. Without even knowing it, she inspires her teammates to do better and better themselves!” Makayla Richardson, Head Varsity Volleyball Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Alex is always positive and encouraging towards her teammates. She gives 100% every day at practice and in games. When she’s not in the game, Alex is the biggest cheerleader for the rest of the team. She inspires everyone.” Kathy Toerner, Assistant Varsity Softball Coach, Golden Valley High School
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Alexandrea over the years. From Valle Verde, to Ollivier, and now at Golden Valley. I’ve had her as a student and athlete throughout the years. She has blossomed into a confident, outgoing, and dependable, student/athlete. She is the epitome of a leader and it especially shows when she is participating in an athletic environment. I have no doubt that she will be successful in her future endeavors. Keep it up A-Rod!!!” Danielle Madrid, PE Teacher and JV Volleyball & Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Alex is one of those athletes every coach wants on their team. She is always the first one to practice ready to go, make sure everything is ready to start practice and make sure everything is put away after. She is a hard worker and expects the same out of her teammates. Her positive attitude on and off the court/field is so refreshing during these trying times. I really expect big things from Alex in the future.” Robert Haskell, Athletic Director, Golden Valley High School