Luis Rodriguez begins his second season as a member of the Blue Raider staff, serving as a volunteer assistant in 2007. His duties at Middle Tennessee include working with outfielders, infielders, hitting instruction and coaching first base.

Rodriguez came to Middle Tennessee after serving as a graduate assistant/assistant coach at Western Kentucky from 2002-05, where his duties included working with infielders, coaching first base, field maintenance and organizing events for players. He also served as assistant camp director for the Hilltoppers from 2003-05.

"(Rodriguez) came with great recommendations from (former Western Kentucky baseball coach) Joel Murrie," Middle Tennessee coach Steve Peterson said. "When Luis was not going to be retained at Western Kentucky, it was a good fit. We wanted someone with the player's interest at heart and who is very knowledgeable about baseball, and we got that in Luis Rodriguez. I feel very lucky to be able to secure him in the volunteer assistant role. He is a great addition to our staff."

Rodriguez was a standout baseball player at Western Kentucky, where he was a four-year starter at shortstop from 1998-2001. He was a finalist for Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year in 1998 and he was a Second-Team All-Sun Belt selection in 2000.