My name is Victoria Rodriguez, and I am the Knox Sports Marketing fall intern! I am a Senior at the University of Tampa, where I will graduate in May 2025 with a sports management Degree. Though I have spent the majority of the last 3 years in Tampa, I am originally from Monroe, New Jersey, where I still live in the summers.
Much like most people from the Northeast, I chose to come to Tampa for the nice weather and the beaches, not knowing all the opportunities that lie right in front of me. However, I quickly found out all the resources and possibilities it has to offer. Coming to Tampa has made me realize there is so much more out there than you think, you just need to explore it.
Growing up, I was a competitive gymnast at Head Over Heels Gymnastics in New Jersey. I was training 25 hours a week while still being a full-time student. Most of my middle school and high school years consisted of going to the gym right from school, eating in the car, and doing my homework on our 15-minute breaks. Yet, I wouldn’t have changed any of it. Unfortunately, during my junior year of high school, a long-term injury ended my career. Although it wasn’t a decision I wanted to make, but rather a decision I had to make, I truly believe it made me who I am today, and I learned so much about myself at such a young age. While I would’ve wanted nothing more than to continue my sport in college, I knew that I still wanted to continue my journey in the sports world. From there I began coaching gymnastics focusing on team girls, and began studying Sport Management.
Aside from sports, I love being around my friends and family. I am a huge people person, and I am very family-oriented. Back in New Jersey, I live with my parents, my twin brother, and my dog. My brother is currently a college athlete at The College of New Jersey where he runs both track and cross country. My dog is a Havanese, which in my eyes is best described as a Shih Tzu with an actual snout. Here in Tampa, I value all the time I can spend with my friends. Being that it is my last year at school, I do everything I can to try and do all the little things we love, such as going to the beach, getting dinner, going on walks, and trolleying to lightning games.
After graduation, I am interested in working on the marketing side of sports. I plan on taking advantage of the sports scene in either Tampa or New York City. As of right now, I am still figuring out the future, but I am excited to learn and grow. I want to continue to gain more insight into this field to help fuel my career. I am very grateful for this opportunity to be the fall intern at Knox Sports Marketing, and I can’t wait to make the most of this experience.