Here’s a story about A-Rod. No, not that guy from the Yankees. This is the A-Rod from the Muskogee High volleyball team-Alexis Rodriguez.

“I’ve just always been A-Rod I guess. I can’t remember the last time someone called me by name. In fact, there’s probably folks that don’t know what my real name is,” the senior laughed.

However you call her, Alexis figures to be an indispensable part of the Lady Rougher volleyball team this year according to her coach TeAnna Tramel.

“She’s the backbone of our team and one of our core players since I got here two years ago,” said Tramel. “She played in the middle last year but we’re moving her to an outside hitter spot this year and she’s really stepped up to be a dominant player on the court as well as standout in the classroom.”

A-Rod got her start in volleyball relatively late but is making up for lost time.

“I started playing volleyball in gym class in the seventh grade and I really liked it, so I tried out for the team and made it and also started playing club ball at that time. It was the first sport that I had really tried to play, and I liked the idea of being on a team and it helped me branch out and meet new people.”

A-Rod is also busy with activities outside of volleyball.

“I’m in the ecology club, the fostering hope team which helps foster kids adjust and the Alpha Adelphi sorority/service organization.”

With the new volleyball season already underway, Alexis is ready to make the move to a new spot and is optimistic about this year’s team which features eight seniors.

“I played outside some when I first started playing but was moved inside when I got to high school. It’s not a lot different than playing in the middle, but I like the outside better. My goal this year is to get more kills than last year and for our team to place at regionals which we haven’t done in a while.”

Alexis hopes to attend OU next year and study psychology.