Cam Rodriguez’s journey in football began at the tender age of 10, igniting a passion that would shape not only her life but also the landscape of the sport in the Philippines. Two decades later, Rodriguez stands as a beacon of inspiration, guiding aspiring athletes towards achieving their full potential. “I was a 10-year-old falling in love with the sport, but now, 20 years later, people look to me to continue growing the sport in the country,” she shares. This unwavering belief in Filipino athletes fuels everything she does, from her role as a seasoned player to her endeavors as a game analyst, mental performance coach, and co-founder of Ribbon Sports.
Rodriguez’s dedication to the sport began at a young age. She represented the Philippines at 12, joined the youth national team at 14, and at 16, became the youngest player on the senior women’s national team, embracing a new level of responsibility and professionalism. Her commitment remains unwavering. “Every time I step on the pitch, I give my best,” she says, acknowledging that even in her 20th year of playing, she continues to strive for growth. “I view sports as a mirror of life,” she reflects, highlighting the constant learning and development inherent in the sport. “The best thing that I get from being an athlete is coachability, meaning the openness to keep learning, to keep growing.”
Beyond her role as a player, Rodriguez has expanded her influence in the football world. She has carved a niche as a game analyst for the Philippine Football League, one of the few women in this role in the country. This experience has amplified her conviction in the power of words and communication. “My stint with PFL has really reinforced the belief that our words have power, and how we say things, especially to a wider audience, matters,” she asserts.
This belief also guides her as a mental performance coach for the Ateneo Women’s Football Team. “Because I believe in the Filipino athlete, the words that I say follow that belief. For example, if they make a mistake, because I believe in them, instead of putting them down and saying negative things, I will frame it in a way that it’s grounded in my belief in them,” she explains.
As a woman navigating the world of sports, Rodriguez recognizes the need to level the playing field for Filipina athletes. “Dapat patas ang laban (the fight has to be fair), because we are worth it,” she emphasizes. “Filipina athletes can do it. What we just need are people who believe in us, and with that belief, all the actions that follow it.”
For Cam Rodriguez, belief is not merely a sentiment; it’s the driving force behind progress and growth. “We’re not born to be good athletes. Some are more talented than others, but you still need that hard work. In that respect, keep learning,” she advises. “Live to tell the tale and be brave to keep learning from the different journeys and ventures that you enter.”
