From the Field to the Numbers
By Yahaira Rodriguez
Yahaira Rodriguez, Performance Data Coordinator, was hired by the Thorns as part of the Match Stats program, presented by First Tech Federal Credit Union. In efforts to drive equity in women’s sports and boost STEM and data analytics resources for the Thorns, First Tech supported funding to establish this program, dedicated to sharing data to fans in a consumable format and bolstering fandom of women’s sports.
From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the stories numbers can tell. Whether it was solving puzzles or solving a math problem, I found it exhilarating connecting the dots. At the same time, I began building my identity as a soccer player. Following in the footsteps of my older brother, I started playing soccer at the age of six.
Growing up in Woodburn Oregon, soccer was more than a hobby- it was part of the community. From Parks & Rec leagues to competing at the collegiate level at Linfield University, the sport taught me courage, resilience, and confidence. But even more valuable were the lessons in teamwork, connection, and the kinds of lasting relationships only built through shared effort on and off the field.
Soccer didn’t just shape who I am, it inspired what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to work in the sports industry, and I knew I wanted to incorporate data into my journey.
During my time at Linfield, I had the opportunity to take an off-campus course in England focused on the Economics of Association Football. That experience broadened my understanding of the game far beyond tactics or scores. I explored how structural differences between leagues in the U.S. and England lead to different economic outcomes, and I applied analytical tools to evaluate and compare both labor and product markets in the two systems. It helped me see soccer not just as a sport, but as a complex ecosystem, one where data can play a powerful role.
As the Performance Data Coordinator for the Portland Thorns, I’m able to merge my academic background with my passion for the game, bringing a unique perspective as both a former player and a lifelong fan. My goal is to enhance fan engagement through data-driven match content and provide deeper insight into player performance and team dynamics. It’s about using numbers to tell the story behind what we see on the field.
My work involves collecting, analyzing, and presenting performance data that highlights both individual players and the team as a whole. On a day-to-day basis, I track and interpret match data and compare how it relates to the league and our competitors. This information becomes part of the story we tell our fans. Whether it's through match previews, post-game recaps, or graphics on social media, I help translate stats into content that’s accessible, engaging, and shows what's happening on the field. A good stat can offer fans an enhanced perspective on the game or highlight a player whose impact may not always show up on a typical match recap.
As someone who also grew up attending games at Providence Park, working with the Thorns feels like a full circle. This club has set an example for what’s possible for women in sports and has shown what it looks like when investment in women’s sports is taken seriously.
I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity and for First Tech’s support and commitment to actively address the equity gap in women’s sports and advancing STEM education in underrepresented communities. I’m proud to be part of an organization that truly believes in empowering women, not just on the field, but in every aspect of the game.
From the Field to the Numbers
By Yahaira Rodriguez
Yahaira Rodriguez, Performance Data Coordinator, was hired by the Thorns as part of the Match Stats program, presented by First Tech Federal Credit Union. In efforts to drive equity in women’s sports and boost STEM and data analytics resources for the Thorns, First Tech supported funding to establish this program, dedicated to sharing data to fans in a consumable format and bolstering fandom of women’s sports.
From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the stories numbers can tell. Whether it was solving puzzles or solving a math problem, I found it exhilarating connecting the dots. At the same time, I began building my identity as a soccer player. Following in the footsteps of my older brother, I started playing soccer at the age of six.
Growing up in Woodburn Oregon, soccer was more than a hobby- it was part of the community. From Parks & Rec leagues to competing at the collegiate level at Linfield University, the sport taught me courage, resilience, and confidence. But even more valuable were the lessons in teamwork, connection, and the kinds of lasting relationships only built through shared effort on and off the field.
Soccer didn’t just shape who I am, it inspired what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to work in the sports industry, and I knew I wanted to incorporate data into my journey.
During my time at Linfield, I had the opportunity to take an off-campus course in England focused on the Economics of Association Football. That experience broadened my understanding of the game far beyond tactics or scores. I explored how structural differences between leagues in the U.S. and England lead to different economic outcomes, and I applied analytical tools to evaluate and compare both labor and product markets in the two systems. It helped me see soccer not just as a sport, but as a complex ecosystem, one where data can play a powerful role.
As the Performance Data Coordinator for the Portland Thorns, I’m able to merge my academic background with my passion for the game, bringing a unique perspective as both a former player and a lifelong fan. My goal is to enhance fan engagement through data-driven match content and provide deeper insight into player performance and team dynamics. It’s about using numbers to tell the story behind what we see on the field.
My work involves collecting, analyzing, and presenting performance data that highlights both individual players and the team as a whole. On a day-to-day basis, I track and interpret match data and compare how it relates to the league and our competitors. This information becomes part of the story we tell our fans. Whether it's through match previews, post-game recaps, or graphics on social media, I help translate stats into content that’s accessible, engaging, and shows what's happening on the field. A good stat can offer fans an enhanced perspective on the game or highlight a player whose impact may not always show up on a typical match recap.
As someone who also grew up attending games at Providence Park, working with the Thorns feels like a full circle. This club has set an example for what’s possible for women in sports and has shown what it looks like when investment in women’s sports is taken seriously.
I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity and for First Tech’s support and commitment to actively address the equity gap in women’s sports and advancing STEM education in underrepresented communities. I’m proud to be part of an organization that truly believes in empowering women, not just on the field, but in every aspect of the game.
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