Lacrosse player honors coach with inspiring ALS battle documentary
Chapman broadcast journalism and documentary student Adam McDonnell (left) spoke with The Panther about a documentary he is creating about his high school lacrosse coach, Johnny Rodriguez. Photo courtesy of Adam McDonnell
Meet Adam McDonnell, a freshman lacrosse player at Chapman University, who is embarking on a journey to create a documentary that transcends the boundaries of sports. The documentary captures the spirit of his high school lacrosse coach, Johnny Rodriguez, in the face of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare neurodegenerative disease that affects the nervous system.
The announcement of his coach's diagnosis last December surprised McDonnell, a broadcast journalism and documentary major, and the rest of the team. But even through the darkness, the lively spirit of Rodriguez continued to carry them. Though this brought sadness to the community, the shared love for the game kept the team's energy up and pushed them to perform the best they could.
When McDonnell joined Rodriguez's lacrosse program in his sophomore year at Yorba Linda High School, he gained an unforgettable bond with the team and Rodriguez, inspiring him in all aspects of life. Despite his late transfer, McDonnell was treated equally to other players, and his new coach brought a "spark" out of him, which helped lead him to come to play lacrosse at Chapman.
“Growing up, I always had a spark in me. However, I never had a coach bring it out. From day one, (Rodriguez) never looked at me as a transfer or someone who came into his coaching life late. He pushed me every day and created the player I am now.”
McDonnell began a journey to give back to a person and community that has given so much to him. The documentary aims to convey the positivity brought by the lacrosse community to their coach in tough times and give a platform to a man who has changed the lives of many.
"Across the country, the lacrosse community has shared his story,” McDonnell said. “A GoFundMe was created to help in covering treatment, which has exceeded $150,000. On top of this, a ribbon is worn on the shirts of current players, as well as us former players, carrying that to our new teams. (Rodriguez) has also reached the attention of local pro sports teams, like the (Los Angeles) Angels and (Anaheim) Ducks."
According to McDonnell, Rodriguez goes above and beyond for his players to holistically mentor them on and off the field, and he also seeks to help them create a foundation for life more significant than the game itself.
“My coach has created a foundation for myself and all my teammates to build off of. Not only in lacrosse but also in life. (Rodriguez) has done so much for myself and the entire lacrosse community. His story is deserving of being told.”
McDonnell said this experience and his coach's inspiration have taught him to be a fighter and that no matter who you are or how old you are, there is always a spot for you to compete.
McDonnell also believes Rodriguez taught him the importance of perseverance – both on and off the field – as he feels Rodriguez has helped him not give up during games but has also aided in persisting emotionally as he navigated the start of his Chapman lacrosse career.
McDonnell accredits Rodriguez as the reason he feels a strong sense of belonging and capability on his team, and feels Rodriguez is the reason he has improved athletically too.
Rodriguez’s influence on various components of McDonnell’s life and lacrosse career has positively impacted his experience and performance on the lacrosse team. McDonnell noted that Rodriguez motivates him to continue to grow as the player-coach Rodriguez shaped him to be.
“He pushed me every day and created the player I now am,” McDonnell said.
McDonnel plans to share his work on YouTube once it is completed, though a date has not yet been set.