ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Bartram Trail's success in girls soccer began 23 seasons ago under the guidance of Head Coach Jen Rodriguez, who laid the foundation for the program's excellence.
Coach Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of team culture and a positive environment that fosters the girls' growth and success.
"We talk a lot about team culture and the environment that is such a positive environment that I feel the girls just thrive in," Rodriguez said.
The Lady Bears have achieved remarkable success in recent years, securing three state titles in the last five seasons. Despite facing setbacks and rough times, Coach Rodriguez attributes their success to perseverance, focus, and a commitment to their goals.
Rodriguez noted: "It's taken a lot of work. We've had our setbacks, we've had our rough times, but I think just persevering and keep coming back and staying focused and keeping those goals in mind."
Bartram Trail consistently ranks high in soccer, whether or not they clinch the state title in a given year. They consistently find themselves among the last teams standing at the end of each season, a testament to the program's sustained excellence.
Coach Rodriguez's coaching approach is distinct, as she adopts a positive style that focuses on encouraging her players. She remarked, "I'm the coach I am. You kind of see what you get. People kind of want me to get into them, but that's just not my style."
Her coaching style, as described by junior midfielder Ali Fletcher, involves holding players accountable in a positive way and providing constructive feedback to help them improve as soccer players.
Ali Fletcher, Junior Midfielder of Bartram Trail, said "She doesn't let anybody slack off. She holds everybody accountable in a good way. She's just a good role model for us."
While the Lady Bears' current season has come to a close, their success over the last four years underscores the program's dominance and the impact of Rodriguez's positive coaching style. As they reflect on their achievements, the Bartram Trail Lady Bears remain a force to be reckoned with in high school girls soccer.