Joe Rodriguez claims a prime space near the ready area and the skating floor for as long as necessary while Team USA athletes are skating. He is the team trainer and is responsible for fitness, medical and even stress issues that our skaters face as they prepare to face international competitors at the 2008 Junior World Roller Figure Skating Championship in Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei. Joe comes prepared with a bag of medical supplies and an arsenal of inspiration that helps each skater get through everything from minor injuries to stage fright.

His job requires that he is available to Team USA members for both training and actual competition, so he has a very long, hard day between practice and arena activities. He massages tight muscles, bandages floor burns, wraps sprains and soothes psyches. He jogs over to the ready area to check on his skaters before and after they skate. He even tends to sore muscles during bus rides to and from the venue.

When Joe Rodriguez is between skaters, he is our team's best cheerleader. His warm smile, support and words of wisdom will be remembered by all USA skaters who shared his services and all worldwide skaters who shared his company.