As the point guard of the team, Girls Basketball Co-Captain Alani Rodriguez ’27 embodies teamwork as she links the team together both on and off the court. Her goal this year was to make sure everyone felt integrated into the school and the team.
Rodriguez described her enjoyment of seeing her teammates succeed and shared the qualities she strives to possess as a point guard. She also mentioned the importance of teamwork, which was recently displayed on Wednesday against Austin Prep.
“I’m a very unselfish player. I love seeing my teammates win, if that means passing the ball a lot more. That’s the best part of basketball, especially as a point guard. To be the best point guard, you [need to] be able to facilitate and handle [the] offense. Today, we played Austin Prep. This was probably one of our best games just [because] we played as a team. We played for each other, and that definitely showed. We ended up winning that game,” said Rodriguez.
According to Maddie Marshall ’29, Rodriguez is both an offensive and defensive asset to the team. She described the versatility Rodriguez brings as a two-way player.
“[Rodriguez] can knock down [three-pointers]. She’s very good at driving [to the hoop]. She plays really good defense for us. When we play our 1-3-1 [defense], she’s on the top of the trap and she helps us get a lot of steals, which lead to points and just overall helps the momentum of the team,” said Marshall.
Sara Damon ’29 gave insight into the extent of Rodriguez’s relentless work ethic.
“Every time I go to the gym, [Rodriguez] is over there putting in work. For her, it’s not necessarily just luck that she’s so talented, [but] it’s a lot of the work that she puts in, and I see it sometimes. I’m sure there’s more work than she does behind the scenes. You have to put the work in to get what you want, and she’s always in the gym getting shots up and getting better. That’s really impressive,” said Damon.
Off the court, according to Marshall, Rodriguez is a strong communicator and outlet for the team. Marshall explained how the team builds around her energy and determination to improve.
“If the team is ever thinking [about] anything, [Rodriguez] will speak up for us and she will go up to the coaches and talk to them. And also, she really takes responsibility for our team and she brings us to wins on and off the court. She’s always motivating us and just feeding off her energy, knowing she really wants to win. It helps our whole team to be in the game because she is,” said Marshall.
Having known Rodriguez prior to coming to Andover, Damon spoke to Rodriguez’s growth in the past few years. Specifically, Damon emphasized Rodriguez’s progression as a vocal leader.
“From the beginning, she was just a super hard worker. She takes every single drill seriously all the time. She’s obviously become more vocal as she’s gotten older and matured more with how to lead. She’s a leader by example, but also now, [because] we play the same position, I’m able to learn from her, and she’s able to talk to me and walk me through certain things I am a little bit confused about. That’s one way she’s grown, [just] vocally, sharing and teaching some of the younger kids,” said Damon.
Being an Upper, Rodriguez still has another full season as the team’s Co-Captain ahead. Nevertheless, reflecting on her experience so far, she offered advice to future Co-Captains.
“Sometimes, your situation might not be the most ideal moment. Some things might not go your way at certain times, but regardless, you [need] to be able to put that aside and be there for the team because as a Captain. You play a big role. Just be there [and] stay present,” said Rodriguez.
