Eduardo Rodriguez, Los Angeles

Mr. Rodriguez has been a League Captain for 4 years. For him, captaining a team is much more than putting together line-ups and calling his players to make sure that arrive at the designated time and place.

For Eduardo it has meant helping players obtain rackets, balls, tennis clothes and helping them get to the various venues to compete. You see, his team consists mostly of inner city high school students who have challenges everyday that have nothing to do with hitting a forehand or serve. Most are from single parent households where money is limited and disposable income is non-existent, so Eduardo has also helped by paying for USTA memberships and league fees.

While this may not be a financial hardship for some captains, Eduardo is only 24 years old and a student himself.

Eduardo has never asked for help but his selflessness has been noted by many other Los Angeles League players. Many have reached out to him and lent a helping hand with items and money – all used by Eduardo for his team.

The team- a 3.5 Men’s Doubles Team (Team Eduardo) posted a 1-8 record in the 2017 Doubles season, but still showed up for every match. It’s a direct reflection of Eduardo’s own personality –unassuming, respectful and polite.

A league player himself, Eduardo’s Tri-level team advanced to Sectionals, where he received a Sportsmanship Award gift card. The first thing he did was think of his students and asked that a photo be taken so he could tell them that good sportsmanship is important and leads to good things.
We are honored to present Eduardo Rodriguez with the 2017 League Hero of the Year Award.