La Joya, TX – La Joya ISD this week celebrated a legacy of athletic excellence during a special groundbreaking ceremony hosted to mark the start of a renovations project now underway at Coach Rod Softball Field.
On Tuesday, November 4, district leaders, athletic staff and family of former softball coach Carlos “Charlie” Rodriguez gathered at the site that now stands as a testament to La Joya ISD’s enduring legacy of athletic excellence and community pride.
Located at the Leo Garza Jr. Athletics Complex, the field, named in honor of Coach Rod, is set to undergo a series of modern upgrades, including:
A memorial dedication archway at the entrance
Installation of synthetic turf
A digital scoreboard
Renovated dugouts with expanded storage
Upgraded bullpen areas
As a way to honor and pay tribute to Coach Rodriguez’s decades of service and profound impact on student-athletes, in May the La Joya ISD School Board unanimously passed a resolution to rename the district’s softball field to Coach Rod Field.
Known for his leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication to advancing girls’ athletics Coach Rod’s influence continues resonating deeply within the La Joya ISD.
“Coach Rod has left a legacy that inspires athletes to believe in themselves, work hard and play with heart,” said Dr. Marcey Sorensen, Superintendent of Schools for La Joya ISD. “A founding father of softball at La Joya ISD, Coach Rod was a pillar in this community; it is our honor and pleasure to have this field named for him and honor the lasting commitment that he had to our district, our athletes and our community.”
With this renovation, La Joya ISD is not only enhancing the athletic experience - the district is also honoring the legacy of the past while shaping a vibrant future for athletics; one that embodies the spirit of teamwork, pride, and excellence that Coach Rod championed for throughout his life and career.
“Coach Rod’s legacy goes far beyond wins and championships - he built a culture of pride, respect and unity that defines La Joya ISD athletics,” said Joe Peña, Executive Director of Athletics for La Joya ISD. “This field will continue his story and remind every player who steps onto it what it means to wear La Joya across their jersey.”