Hector J. Garcia Early College High School graduate Alejandro "Mr. Cheese" Rodriguez officially signed his National Letter of Intent with the Texas A&M University–Kingsville Esports Program. He is the first student from LISD and Garcia Early College High School to achieve the distinction of signing with a collegiate Esports program. Alejandro is ranked as one of the top gamers in the State of Texas.
Rodriguez who was introduced to video games by his brother, Allen, when he was six years old, has been hooked since then and is looking forward to joining Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s E-Sports Program
“It feels fantastic to get the chance to play esports in college. This is something I’ve always done since I was six or seven years old when my brother got me into video games,” said Rodriguez. “It is something I have always loved to do. I never imagined it would take me to college. I didn’t think this would be a big part of my future and success.”
Alejandro, who has been attending tournaments that the college was hosting for several years, kept hearing of the great opportunities available to him in Kingsville.
“Coach Peterson would come talk to me about the college and the opportunities they could offer me. So, from there I stated looking at Kingsville a bit more,” he said. “I originally was not considering A&M Kingsville but realized how much potential was there both in E-sports and as a student especially for my major. I realized I could make it all work and this would be the best for me to grow there.”
The Esports Program at Texas A&M Kingsville is under the leadership of Coach Steven Peterson. The program started as a club and is under the Athletic Program. The first-year varsity program will have all the requirements of a student-athlete. They plan to form and compete in Sunbelt Super Conference which will include West Texas A&M, Oklahoma Christine, East A&M Commerce, and other Sunbelt colleges
“Alejandro is by far the biggest recruit we have signed. He is number one in the State of Texas in our eyes,” said Coach Peterson. “He is ranked highly in the state and has been coming to our tournaments and competition with semiprofessionals and top-level players. To get someone with Alejandro’s caliber is huge for our program.”
Rodriguez, AKA Mr. Cheese, is one of the top Super Smash Bros. players in the State of Texas. Alejandro has been ranked the top high school Super Smash Bros. player in Texas. And placed fifth at the state tournament.
Alejandro and his family never would have thought that playing videos games would be his ride to higher education.
“Every family love’s getting money for college. It’s always awesome not to pay for college. But I think being the first away from home will be a big relief to my parents. Knowing they will not have to be helping me financially and not worrying about what I need will be a big comfort to them,” said Rodriguez. “It will be a big relief to me as well. I won’t have to work while I’m there, like I doing right now. It will be a welcomed change.”
Rodriguez is looking forward to the level of competition he will be facing. “It’s really exciting. I have met a lot of the big competition and I have had the pleasure of playing against them in tournaments. I’m really excited and I think this will help me grow as a player,’ he said. “At the moment I feel like I’m on a road to becoming somebody that is notable in this game. I think going there and having a higher level of competition and practice will help me get to where I want to be.”
Alejandro expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported his endeavors.
“I want to thank Laredo Smash Brothers Team for always been my biggest supporters and helpers, and my brother Allen who started it all for me,” said Rodriguez. “And of course, my parents for all their financial support to purchase my video games. They knew this is something I loved to do and they were willing to pay because they were happy knowing I was doing something I loved.”
Alejandro will be majoring in English at Texas A&M Kingsville. He hopes to obtain his teaching certification in secondary education.