Posted on December 3, 2024 by Rebekah Alegria
Balancing a family, a full-time career and the challenges of college life is no small feat, but for Leslie (Les) Rodriguez, perseverance is second nature.
Les Rodriguez, B.B.A. Marketing and Management '24
This fall the Marine Corps veteran, father of two and community investments coordinator for the San Antonio Spurs will graduate with not only one, but two bachelor’s degrees in marketing and management from the Carlos Alvarez College of Business at UTSA.
As a first-gen college student originally from Puerto Rico, Les Rodriguez drew motivation from his daughters and the lessons instilled in him by his grandparents, who raised him. “My grandparents always pushed me to accomplish everything I could in life,” he shared. “Graduating shows my daughters that age and challenges are not barriers, they’re steppingstones.”
Rodriguez’s time in the Marine Corps provided him with the leadership, discipline and adaptability needed to succeed both in his studies as well as his professional pursuits. “I approached my time at UTSA as a mission,” he said. “I wasn’t here for the social experience. I was here to achieve my goals. The military taught me to lead, think strategically and push through challenges, and that mindset guided me through every class.”
While Rodriguez’s transition to civilian life wasn’t without hurdles, it was also filled with moments of determination and triumph. After relocating to San Antonio in 2022, he navigated the admissions process to secure his place at UTSA just days before the semester began. “Time management and a strong support system were crucial,” he said. “My wife, family and supportive friends kept me grounded and helped me succeed.”
A passion for basketball has been a constant throughout Rodriguez’s life, shaping his journey from high school to the Marine Corps and now to his role with the Spurs. As a high school athlete, he cultivated a deep love for the game, which he carried with him into his 13 years of military service. During that time, Rodriguez played on the All-Marine basketball team for three seasons, keeping his connection to the sport alive and fueling his dedication to the game he loves.
“Basketball has always been a passion and working with the Spurs allows me to channel that passion into something meaningful,” he said.
After transitioning to civilian life, he started his career with the Spurs as a 50/50 raffle seller and quickly advanced to his current position as a community investments coordinator through hard work and dedication. In this role he oversees fundraising efforts for the organization’s nonprofit initiatives. From organizing free basketball clinics for children in Uvalde to supporting local families in need, Rodriguez’s work makes a tangible difference throughout the Texas community.
“Seeing the smiles on those kids’ faces and knowing we’re creating moments of joy is what drives me,” he said. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of something bigger than myself.”
Reflecting on his time at UTSA, Rodriguez cites his academic growth as a personal triumph. He overcame his fear of math, his self-proclaimed “biggest academic challenge,” and he developed a deeper understanding of marketing and management principles that he applies in his career. “These fields were the perfect fit for me,” he said. “They combine my love for communication and leadership with a skill set I can use to create positive change.”
Looking to the future, Rodriguez has plans to pursue a master’s degree in sports marketing or nonprofit management and eventually expand his horizons internationally. “My wife and I dream of living abroad and giving our daughters a global perspective,” he said. “This degree is just the beginning; it’s a foundation for what’s to come.”
As he prepares to walk the graduation stage, he carries with him not only the pride of his own accomplishments, but the knowledge that he is setting an example for his daughters and others striving to achieve their goals.
“I want my daughters to see that obstacles are just opportunities in disguise,” Rodriguez said. “If I can do this, so can they.”
— Rebekah Alegria
