Jose Rodriguez Kieli Saenz, an exercise science freshman from Corpus Christi, is a player for the UTRGV Women’s Golf Team. Saenz tied for second place at the South Texas Showdown on Feb. 17 at the Islander Classic in the Corpus Christi Country Club.
Jose Rodriguez/THE RIDER
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: “My favorite movie is ‘La La Land.’”
Q: Who or what got you started in golf?
A: “My dad. I started when I was around 12 years old, and he was definitely the main component of my start in golf.” Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration or role model?
A: “My dad, as well, and I think also my mom. They both just showed me what hard work gets me. And they definitely have been my biggest supporters.”
Q: Who is your favorite golfer?
A: “Definitely Tiger Woods.”
Q: What kind of music do you listen to?
A: “I listen to a variety of music, but my top artist was Frank Ocean.”
Q: Which shows or movies do you like to watch?
A: “Well, my favorite one [is] ‘La La Land.’ But, some of my other favorites are ‘Mamma Mia!’ and ‘Good Will Hunting.’”
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: “I love reading, painting and running.”
Q: What is your biggest motivation?
A: “Definitely my faith. It’s a really big part of me, so that really motivates me through, like, all of my tournaments.”
Q: What do you like most about UTRGV?
A: “I really love the culture here. My teammates are really great, and they support me and everything. And I just really love the environment of UTRGV.”
Q: What are your biggest goals?
A: “I definitely want to see how far I can get in golf, and that’s … a really big goal. And also, with my major, I’m planning on doing physical therapy, so that’s one of my other goals.”
—Compiled and photo by Jose Rodriguez
Isabelle Mascorro 
Daniel Aguilar 
Sofia Cantú Sauceda 
Mykel Del Angel 