Rodrigo was born in the East Bay - in Richmond, California - but grew up in Ithaca, NY from ages 1-6, before returning to Santa Cruz for elementary school, his mother's hometown. After graduating from Soquel High School, Rodrigo returned to the east coast to attend Harvard University, where he received his undergraduate degree in Social Studies, focusing his thesis research on the importance of the social-emotional landscape in adolescent educational environments. After graduating, Rodrigo worked at the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office for 7 years in a variety of roles, while starting his coaching career with the Harvard Men's Club Soccer team as a hobby. During this time, Rodrigo developed a deep passion for coaching and returned to Santa Cruz to pursue his love for coaching youth soccer - a passion which he now pursues in variety of roles, including as the founder of a competitive youth soccer club (Eclipse Soccer Academy), a middle school soccer coach (Mission Hill), a high school varsity boys soccer coach (Scotts Valley), and an assistant coach with the CalNorth ODP program (2009 boys). Rodrigo is fascinated by the profound capacity for creativity, growth, and joy that children illustrate when playing sports that they love.