Lamar University Athletics

Ryela Rodriguez joined Lamar University as Assistant Athletics Director for Strategic Partnerships in July 2026. Rodriguez came to the Golden Triangle after four successful years at UT Rio Grande Valley, where she spent the previous seven months as assistant athletics director for corporate partnerships. 
 
During her time at UTRGV, Rodriguez oversaw the development, growth and management of all UTRGV athletic corporate partners. Prior to that, she served as assistant AD for fan engagement and group sales and played an integral role in UTRGV's record setting ticket sales for a third-straight year - which included baseball attendance records which ranked 34th nationally in total attendance. 

Rodriguez's time at UTRGV began in 2022 and during her time there she received three promotions. 
 
Rodriguez got her start in collegiate athletics as a student assistant at Tyler Junior College, before serving as a fan engagement and marketing intern at her alma mater, Baylor. Following her graduation from Baylor, she switched over to a compliance role with the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) for one season before moving to Edinburg.