Vanessa graduates as the most decorated player in Ann Arbor Fa. Gabriel Richard school history. She’s been named Associated Press D2 Player of the Year as a sophomore, Ann Arbor MLive Player of the Year in 2024 and 2025, Prep Girls Hoops Junior of the Year, Detroit News D2 All-State First Team, Detroit Free Press All-State First Team, BCAM D2 Best Team, and CHSL All-Catholic First Team all four years. Vanessa averaged 14.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 3.7 steals per game with a 2.11 Ast/TO ratio. She holds the school record for points with 1,326 and steals with 315. Vanessa is second in school history with 356 career assists and has 454 career rebounds. She owns the school record for three-pointers made with 205, which is #27 in the MHSAA record books. Vanessa guided the Irish to key wins against Plymouth Christian Academy, Warren Regina, Chelsea, and Toledo Central Catholic this season. FGR ended the year at 14-8 with competitive losses against Grass Lake, Jackson Lumen Christi, South Lyon East, Holt, and Farmington Hills Mercy. Vanessa posted 21 points against Holt and a stat-stuffing 18 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and five steals in February. At 85-15, Vanessa graduates as a winner. She helped lift the FGR program to new heights, finishing as the State Runner-Up in 2024, winning a state record 28 games in 2025, 32 straight league wins, and three CHSL Championships. Vanessa will take her dynamic skill set to Western Michigan University following graduation.

Vanessa became Fa. Gabriel Richard’s all-time scoring leader during a 56-46 win vs. Toledo St. Ursula, passing the previous mark of 1,215. Vanessa has 1,225 career points and is a Miss Basketball front-runner.

Vanessa has already built one of the most impressive résumés in Division 2 basketball, and she’s not finished yet. A two-time MLive Ann Arbor Player of the Year and former Division 2 Player of the Year as a sophomore, she continues to elevate her game each season. The Western Michigan University commit has already etched her name into program history as just the second player to surpass 1,000 career points — with another full season still ahead. Last year, she averaged 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.8 steals per game, showing her all-around impact on both ends of the court. After falling in the regional finals to the eventual state champions, Vanessa and the Fighting Irish are determined to make another deep postseason run — this time with their sights set on the Breslin Center.

Commit: Western Michigan Commit

“One of the best players in the State. Miss Basketball candidate” – Coach Cain

Vanessa is a lead guard who elevates everyone around her, always finding ways to make her teammates better. A true playmaker, she has a knack for making the right decisions and delivering winning plays when it matters most.

Vanessa was effective on both ends for Mystics 2026 P24 Ruh and showed why she is one of the best point guards in her class at the MBA Mother’s Day Classic. Her shifty ball-handling, aggressive defense, perimeter accuracy, split-second decision making, and finishing dexterity set her apart. Vanessa was active on defense, putting pressure on the ball and turning steals into fast break layups. She blew by a defender with an explosive downhill burst and finished the play with an emphatic and-one layup. Vanessa drained a silky smooth, balanced step-back triple off the dribble.

Vanessa was named the Associated Press D2 Player of the Year as a sophomore, and she’s been even better this season. After averaging 13 points, four assists, four rebounds, and three assists in 2024, Vanessa increased her output to 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists (1.8 Asst/TO ratio), and 2.9 steals per game in 2025. She passed 1,000 points in February and is second all-time with 1,017 career points. In her career, Vanessa has 242 assists, made 165 3PT, 326 rebounds, and a school-record 231 steals. Vanessa is a winner with a 68-6 record at Fa. Gabriel Richard, including three consecutive CHSL championships, state record 28 wins last year, and 32 straight league victories. Vanessa helped the Irish earn quality wins against Rockford, Mercy, St. Mary’s Prep, N.D. Academy, Clarkston, Goodrich, Lumen Christi, Chelsea, and Detroit Renaissance. Vanessa was tasked with defending one of the state’s top scorers and held her to a 33 FG% from the field. She is a lethal offensive weapon for the Irish and impactful on the defensive end. Some of her top performances this year include 23 points, four rebounds, and six steals vs. Chelsea; 21 points and three steals vs. Mercy; 19 points, four rebounds, and three assists vs. Rockford; 16 points and eight rebounds vs. Belleville; and 23 points vs. Toledo Ursula in 16 minutes.

Vanessa, last season’s Division 2 Associated Press Player of the Year, showcased her impressive skills by leading her team to the Breslin Center and securing a state runner-up finish. A versatile guard, she averaged 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 assists per game, demonstrating her all-around impact on both ends of the court. Known for her sharp shooting from behind the arc, Vanessa isn’t afraid to drive into the lane against taller defenders, showing fearlessness and finesse. Her high basketball IQ allows her to make smart plays and decisions under pressure. Heading into her junior season, Vanessa is poised for a standout year as she aims to lead her team back to the Breslin and content for the state title.

“The returning AP D2 player of the year is the best two way player in the State. Her work ethic is second to none.” – Coach Cain

Rodriguez was red hot this grassroots season. From an early spring weekend heater to a late summer big time performance, she just kept getting it done. Rodriguez was a big shot taker and a big shot maker. She attacked the defense odd the bounce, with her jumper and with her ability to see the floor and pass.

Rodriguez added a Lake Superior State offer to her list. LSSU was more than smart with that offer. Rodriguez is just too talented to not offer. She’s not just solid with the ball and a game changing shooter. Rodriguez also carries a reputation as a great teammate and a positive locker room influence.