Amy Rodriguez is a distinguished American soccer coach and retired professional player, renowned for her impactful contributions to women’s soccer. Her career began at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, where she was recognized as a Parade All-American and the Gatorade Player of the Year in 2005. Rodriguez’s exceptional talent led her to the University of Southern California, where she became a cornerstone of the Trojans’ women’s soccer team, finishing as the fourth all-time scorer and playing a pivotal role in securing the school’s first NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship.
In 2009, Rodriguez was the first overall pick in the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) Draft, joining the Boston Breakers. She quickly made her mark, scoring her first professional goal and later being traded to the Philadelphia Independence, where she excelled with 12 goals in the 2010 season. Her remarkable performance earned her a spot on the WPS Best XI and recognition as a finalist for the Michelle Akers Player of the Year Award. Rodriguez continued to shine in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), contributing to FC Kansas City’s championship victories in 2014 and 2015, where she was named the MVP of the latter match.
Rodriguez’s international career with the United States women’s national team is equally impressive. She was part of the 2015 Women’s World Cup-winning squad and has earned multiple caps, showcasing her skills on the global stage. Notably, she set a record for the most goals scored in a single CONCACAF Olympic qualifying match in 2012, further solidifying her legacy in women’s soccer.
After announcing her retirement from professional play in 2022, Rodriguez transitioned into coaching, accepting a position as an assistant coach at USC. In 2023, she was appointed as the head coach of the Utah Royals FC, marking a new chapter in her career. Rodriguez’s journey reflects her dedication to the sport and her commitment to fostering the next generation of female athletes in soccer.