Ana Rodriguez

“Every time I step onto the field, I feel like I'm proving something to myself and to everyone who ever doubted me.”

Ana was born and raised in Hanoi, but her Ecuadorian parents instilled in her a love for American football from a young age. She started playing in high school and continued on to play in college, where she became a star linebacker. Despite facing discrimination and stereotypes as a woman in a male-dominated sport, Ana never let it hold her back. She now plays professionally and hopes to inspire other young girls to pursue their passions, no matter what obstacles stand in their way.

What was your biggest challenge as a female football player?

Definitely the stereotypes and assumptions people made about me before they even met me. People think girls can't handle the physicality of the sport, or that we're just there to look cute. But I've had to prove time and time again that I'm just as capable and dedicated as any male player out there.

What do you hope to achieve in your football career?

I want to be a role model for young girls who love sports but don't see anyone who looks like them on the field. And of course, I want to win a championship - that's the ultimate goal for any athlete.