Alicia Rodriguez is one of the 2025 recipients of the Trailblazer Scholarships.
LVRR: What college will you attend and what is your intended major of study? Do you plan to run while attending college?
AR: I will be attending East Stroudsburg University and study health and physical education. I am still in talks to run at ESU.
LVRR: What age did you start running and why?
AR: I started running at the age of 15 and I started running because I wanted to see how fun running track would be.
LVRR: What is your greatest accomplishment in your running career?
AR: My greatest accomplishment is always finishing my races and being able to push myself to do pole vault and my long distance events
LVRR: Describe an experience where you had to “sink or swim.” What did you learn from it?
AR: We had a meet against freedom and I was the only one to be put in to do the mile. Freedom had 3 girls. I was very nervous considering I wanted to win this race which was going to be very hard. The race started and I kept pace with the girls until the third lap. I pushed myself very hard and got the win. I learned just because you might be put in a difficult position you can still overcome anything and win if you put your mind to it. I Pr’d by 30 seconds that race.
LVRR: Who has been your most influential role model and why?
AR: I would say coach Max because he would always make sure I was good to race and always was giving us motivation while running
LVRR: What would most people be surprised to learn about you?
AR: I would say probably that I do three sports
LVRR: What is one word you would say to someone who has just started running– whether it be a youth in the LVRR Kids Series, or an older individual- about why running is worth it?
AR: Motivating. Running is worth it because it motivates you to be better and want to work hard. Running improves your health in the best way.
LVRR: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
AR: I see myself working back at William Allen High School teaching health and physical education.
LVRR: What events did you run in high school?
AR: 4×800 meter relay,800,1600,4×400 relay,pole vault,3200.
LVRR: How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?
AR: I always say to myself someone wants to be where i am and I shouldn’t give up
LVRR: What are your favorite pre-race and post-race meals?
AR: Protein bars
LVRR: What are three activities you enjoy doing apart from running?
AR: I enjoy swimming,spending time with family, and I love to spend time relaxing
LVRR: Any other comments/information you would like us to know?
AR: Awards- female athlete of the year, MVP for swimming and soccer, attend LCTI and in LCTI I am in the National Technical Honor society. I am a lifeguard for the city of Allentown in the summer
