Crowning Moment
Miss Texas USA Profile

Las Vegas – Ana Rodriguez, a 2009 Concordia University Texas graduate and a two-year letterwinner for the Tornados' volleyball program, placed as the 3rd runner-up at the 2011 Miss USA pageant held at the Theatre for the Performing Arts in Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on Sunday, June 19. It was the highest placing by the Texas representative since Crystle Stewart won in 2008.

A native of Laredo who majored in communications at CTX, Rodriguez qualified for the competition after being named Miss Texas USA 2011 this past September at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Reliant Park in Houston. She had previously finished as the 1st runner-up in 2010, 2nd runner-up in 2009 and 2008 and in the top 15 in 2007 at the state's annual event.

Rodriguez, who is currently a preschool teacher in Austin, played for head coach April Birdsong and the Tornados' volleyball program during the 2007 and 2008 seasons after transferring to Concordia from Laredo Community College.

The 5-foot-9 outside hitter finished her career with 209 kills, 42 blocks and 30 service aces while helping the squad post a winning conference record of 10-8 during the 2007 campaign. Off the court, Rodriguez was named to the 2008 American Southwest Conference Fall Academic Honor Roll.

-Courtesy Concordia University Texas Sports Information Department