Jaime Rodriguez speaking with Girls’ Varsity players. Photo taken by Jeremy McDonald.
Kicking off South Salem’s soccer season, the varsity girls’ team has a new head coach, Jaime Rodriguez. For high school, Rodriguez went to South and was on the boys’ soccer team. Additionally, he attended and played soccer at Clark College in Vancouver, Washington, for the Clark Penguins. Then after transferring to Western Oregon University (WOU), Rodriguez continued playing on the club team as a defensive midfielder.
“I played soccer at South Salem High School from 1988 to 1991 under Coach Eric Johansen. He became a significant and influential figure in my life, serving not only as a coach but as a role model I deeply admired. His impact on me went beyond the soccer field—his leadership, guidance, and character shaped the way I approached challenges and inspired me to give back to my community. To this day, he continues to be a prominent and positive influence in my life, and it is because of his mentorship that I felt compelled to follow in his footsteps and make a difference in the lives of others through coaching,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez’s Coaching Life
Rodriguez has been coaching for 30 years in those 30 years he has coached youth, club high school and the college season.
“I began my coaching career at McNary High School in 1994, where I led the boys’ JV soccer team until 1997. After that, I spent a year coaching at McKay High School before moving on to South Salem High School, where I coached the JV boys’ and assisted the varsity team for 10 years. During my time there, the boys’ won the state championship, a proud moment in my coaching journey. Following that success, I transitioned to West Salem High School, where I coached for eight seasons. Eventually, I returned to South to once again coach the boys’ team,” Rodriguez said.
Soccer Is Life
To Rodriguez, soccer has been a family tradition for him. To him soccer was not just a sport but a part of him.
“Soccer has always been a family tradition for me. My family immigrated from Mexico, where soccer was an integral part of life. It was not just a sport—it was part of our culture and identity. Growing up, soccer became such a significant part of who I am that it shaped my entire outlook on life. My love for the game started as soon as I could run and kick a ball, learning the basics from my family. It has been more than just a game for us; it is a connection to my roots,” Rodriguez said.
Time Before the Girls’ Program
Before Rodriguez went into the girls’ program, he was an assistant coach for the South boys’ team. But when he made that transition to the girls’ program, it felt easy.
“Before stepping into the coaching role for the girls’ program, I was an assistant coach for the South Salem boys’ team, working alongside Eric Johansen. Transitioning to the girls’ program feels like a natural progression and I am excited to bring that experience and energy to this new chapter,” Rodriguez said.
Why Rodriguez Came Back
The reason why Rodriguez started to coach the girls’ soccer team was because of his daughters and the team he coached at Capitol, (Fútbol Club), FC.
“I have two daughters, and I had the privilege of coaching them as they grew up. It was a rewarding experience, watching them develop both as players and individuals. I eventually took on a competitive team at Capitol FC and when those young ladies reached high school, I was fortunate enough to secure a position where I could continue coaching them at that level. Coaching has been a deeply fulfilling journey for me, and this opportunity has been especially meaningful. It feels like coming full circle—having played for and coached the boys’ side at South, it is an honor to now contribute to the rich Saxon soccer legacy on the girls’ side. I am excited to continue building on that tradition and giving back to the program that has given me so much,” Rodriguez said.
His favorite thing about coaching the girls’ soccer team is the hard work and dedication they show. As well as the sportsmanship they have shown.
“The character of these young ladies has truly impressed me—their willingness to work hard, their coachability, and the heart they have shown on and off the field. They have been incredibly respectful and eager to learn, which has made my transition into the program smooth and rewarding. I could not be happier with my new role, and I feel fortunate to be part of such a dedicated and talented group. Their attitude and commitment have made coaching them an absolute pleasure,
Rodriguez said.
Preparation
When preparing for practice, Rodriguez always makes sure he sets up objectives, focusing on specific skills like ball control and passing.
“As we go through the drills, I adjust based on individual and team needs, offering personalized feedback to foster development. Setting a positive tone is crucial, so I emphasize leadership and teamwork, encouraging players to motivate each other,” Rodriguez said
When it comes to game preparation Rodriguez studies the opponent as well as communicating to each player and what their role is.
“Before the game, I give a motivating talk to create a positive mindset, and during the match, I stay flexible with tactics and player rotations, making necessary adjustments as the game unfolds,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez and the girls’ soccer team gain from both wins and losses as he believes improvement equals to many amounts of success
“After each practice or game, I take time to reflect on the team’s performance. I provide feedback, highlighting both areas of success and improvement. I also stress the importance of recovery, reminding players to stay hydrated, stretch, and get proper rest to maintain peak performance. By following these steps, I ensure the team is well-prepared and motivated for success,” Rodriguez said.
