Winning Is a Matter of Aerodynamics

Alvaro Diaz Rodrigo (’24) understands drag and lift forces – both as an aerospace engineer and as a tennis player on the Eagles roster.

His love of engineering predates his love of the game, even though he started playing when he was only six. An aerospace engineer in his family encouraged his interest and aptitude. He continues to tackle tough challenges as a student researcher in the ADvanced Autonomous MUltiple Spacecraft lab (ADAMUS), which supports spacecraft formation flight, on-orbit servicing and space debris removal.

“I’m interested in everything related to engineering. My dream job would be to work with a Formula 1 team as an aerodynamics engineer,” he says. “I’m also interested in everything related to airliners and construction materials testing.”

His strength as a player and student is tenacity. “I keep fighting, even if I’m losing. I’m not an aggressive player, but I control the momentum and keep strategizing.”

In the 2022-2023 season, that attitude translated to winning a team-high 18 matches.

His engineering approach is similar. “You have to identify problems and solve them. When things don’t go the way you want, it is frustrating, but you keep going,” he says. “If you keep iterating one thing – the way you keep practicing in tennis – it will work.”

The Coach Rudy Knabe Men’s Tennis Team Scholarship has taken Alvaro Diaz Rodrigo from Madrid to multiple honors as a scholar-athlete in the Sunshine State Conference.

“Without it, my life would be very different, he says. “Where I come from, it is difficult to combine sports and studies. I never would have been able to keep up with tennis. I would have had to focus all my energy and effort on engineering. Instead, I have the opportunity to meet incredible people and travel with my team while doing something I love. I am so grateful.”