One Texas. One Tennis: Sage Rodriguez

One Texas. One Tennis. is a series highlighting the many faces, voices and experiences of Texas Tennis. Everyone is welcome on the tennis court and when we’re open, we’re at our best. On courts across Texas, every player has a story and those stories show the true diversity and strength of our tennis community. Want to share your story: CLICK HERE

For Sage Rodriguez, the journey on the court is a testament to discipline, resilience, and purpose. What began in junior high as a spontaneous trial during his time as a full-time soccer player quickly transformed into a deep passion that reshaped his athletic path.

Guided by his early coach, JP Bonilla, who helped build his technical foundation and confidence, Sage embraced the individual accountability and unique rhythm of the sport. Off the court, he carries tennis's most valuable lesson—focusing entirely on the point directly in front of you—while actively fostering a welcoming, unified community through connection and a shared love for the game.

USTA Texas: How did you first get involved in tennis, and what kept you coming back to the court?

Sage Rodriguez: During my time as a full-time soccer player, I decided to try out for the junior high tennis team. From that moment on, I developed a strong passion for the sport. I found myself wanting to spend less time on the soccer field and more time on the tennis courts, which ultimately led me to pursue tennis full time. 

What drew me in most was the individual nature of the game. Being fully responsible for the outcome pushed me to grow, stay disciplined, and continuously challenge myself to improve. I came to appreciate the unique rhythm of tennis: the calm, focused silence before a serve contrasted with the intensity and adrenaline of a rally. That dynamic kept me engaged and motivated, and ultimately solidified my commitment to the sport.

USTA Texas: Who in the tennis community has had the biggest impact on your journey? And why?

Rodriguez: One of the most influential individuals in my tennis journey has been my early coach, JP Bonilla. From the very beginning, he recognized potential in me and remained deeply invested in my development and growth as a player. Since I started playing tennis at a later age, JP played a critical role in teaching me the fundamentals and building a strong foundation. He showed me that it is never too late to learn something new or pursue a passion, which gave me confidence in my own path. He also modeled the importance of giving back something that has stayed with me. JP has a genuine love for teaching and consistently finds teachable moments, both on and off the court. His guidance has had a lasting impact on not only my game, but also my mindset and approach to growth.

USTA Texas: What is one lesson tennis has taught you that you carry with you off the court?

Rodriguez: One Lesson that Tennis has taught me is to focus on the point in front of you. There have been matches where I was down and came back to win the match all because I focused on what was in front of me. There will always be distractions in life but if we focus on what is right in front of you it allows you to stay grounded and perform at your best. By maintaining that level of focus and resilience you give yourself the opportunity to overcome the setback and ultimately win.

USTA Texas: What is it about the tennis community that helps people from different backgrounds connect?

Rodriguez: It is a universal sport and even if you do not speak the same language you can connect and understand one another.

USTA Texas: What is one thing we can all do to make tennis more welcoming and inclusive for everyone?

Rodriguez: Being welcoming and open when meeting new players. I have met so many people by simply asking them questions about their rackets or which school they attend. I have built meaningful connections by simply starting conversations.

USTA Texas: What does “One Texas. One Tennis.” mean to you?

Rodriguez: "One Texas. One Tennis" means that we are all united with a shared purpose, regardless of our background or location, we are all working together to grow the sport and support one another.