Jesus Christ. I lived with some roommates who were
Christians and met my now-husband, who's also a
Christian, and we would go to church together and do
Bible studies. I really learned more about God and about
now. I know God has a plan for me, and
with not making the
roster or not being in the
starting lineup, I have
faith that this is exactly
where I'm supposed to
be. I'm putting all my
talents out there, I'm
giving it my best effort,
and that's all that God
wants from me. He's
going to put me in the
right place, and He's
going to direct me in
the right path. I find a
are practices where you don't play well.
There are meetings that don't go well
with the coaches, and in those difficult
times when you're judged or criticized
or picked apart, God is there. I think
that my faith has really taught me to
think, `It's going to be okay,' that it's
okay to go through difficult times.
and faithful person, and I want people
to know that about me. If they can get
a glimpse of my faith through soccer,
or through something that they see
me doing, then that's great."
phia Independence and FC Kansas
City. In 2011 she married Adam
Shilling, and in 2013 the couple had
a son, Ryan. Soon after giving birth,
Rodriguez was tearing up the fi eld
again, with hopes to continue play-
ing through another World Cup and
Olympic Games.
have sustained her through setbacks
and success, losses and wins.
Visit www.beyondtheultimate.org to read more athletes' stories.