RICHMOND, Va. - VCU Men's Soccer midfielder Andres Rodriguez, uses his Mexican heritage as a reminder of how fortunate he feels to play the game he loves in the United States while getting an education with a chance at playing professionally.
 
And with Hispanic Heritage month fresh in the headlines, Rodriguez has used this month as a time to reflect on the connections he has to his Mexican heritage.
 
"Every time I see my grandparents it just reminds me of how lucky I am for the life I have here," said Rodriguez. "Not everyone in Mexico has that opportunity. You start working at around 13 years old, which is young and thinking about them reminds me to work hard, and do it for them."
 
Being able to see his grandparents on trips south of the border is something that Rodriguez looks forward to and cherishes, not just for their company but for his own personal reflections.

Rodriguez, a sophomore, has racked up 24 games while at VCU, making 20 starts. And in the Rams' 2-1 win at Loyola Chicago on Sept. 30, he recorded his first career assist on the game winning goal. He calls Woodbridge, Va. home, but his heart and soul always seems to find its way back to Mexico, his family and his heritage.
 
Growing up and seeing the Mexican Men's National team be successful helped spark his love for the game and led him to wanting to pursue playing it at a high level. "El Tri were winning trophies and I was amazed by it,' said Rodriguez. "It made me think maybe one day I could get to that point."
 
But when Rodriguez makes a trip to Mexico he's not there to watch El Tri, he is there to see family. 
 
Rodriguez recounts activities that he has enjoyed doing in Mexico with his family. "My three siblings and a lot of cousins would sometimes go to my Aunt's restaurant. But mainly we just spend time together going carting or playing soccer." 
 
Back in the states the ways Rodriguez has connected with his heritage has also doubled as some of his favorite times are with his broader family. They always find a way to get together and participate in Mexican traditions during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
 
"During Christmas time we take part in something called Las Posadas," said Rodriguez. "It's a Mexican tradition where we meet once a week at a family member's house and we read script, feast, and enjoy our heritage and each other's company."
 
It is almost fitting that Hispanic Heritage month falls right in the heart of the NCAA soccer season. And the month-long celebration gives Rodriguez an opportunity to think about the doors that soccer has opened, and how his heritage and family make up a part of who he is on and off the pitch.