Naomi Rodriguez

A Hooker, Okla. native, Rodriguez attended Hooker High School before setting her sights on Panhandle State. Rodriguez was thrilled to receive a scholarship to play basketball at the university, but what made the excitement even sweeter was the opportunity to stay close to home.

“My favorite thing about Panhandle State is the people,” said Rodriguez, “Everyone here at Panhandle is so friendly, the students, coaches, professors, the staff, all the way up to the President. We are all willing to help one another succeed and make Panhandle State a place everyone is happy to call home.”

Rodriguez is avidly involved all around the Panhandle campus, including being an active PAC, or Peer Achievement Coach. “I enjoy being a “coach” or mentor to other students, and just being able to let them know I’m here if they need someone to talk to,” says Rodriguez. She is also a member of SAAC, the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, which she enjoys as the opportunity to act as both a leader and a student athlete, as well as the Health Wellness Committee. Rodriguez also finds time to represent the university as a student ambassador. Rodriguez commented, “I enjoy being able to talk to them about how the university is growing academically as well as in athletics.”

While on campus for the summer, Rodriguez is in her third year assisting in the financial aid office. She enjoys becoming more involved with the department and gaining experience in assisting students with questions about financial aid in the registration months of fall and spring. She is also taking summer classes in accordance with her financial aid work to continue to further her education outside of the normal school season.

Rodriguez also currently dons #30 as a guard for the Panhandle State Women’s Basketball team. The 5’4 junior played in 29 games last season, sinking 45 field goals and bringing in 152 total points for the Aggies on the season. A fun fact about Rodriguez is that she is actually dominantly right-handed but shoots lefty on the court! In addition to basketball, Rodriguez also makes her athletic mark for Panhandle State Women’s Cross Country.

“I am excited to see Naomi grow into the leader of our program,” said Head Women’s Basketball Coach Victor Esparza, “I believe she is going to take a huge step going into her junior year. She is putting in the work and time to be a great leader both on and off the court. I am proud of the player and the person she is becoming and will continue to become.”