Limits Don’t Exist
By Bibi Rodriguez
I grew up in Victorville, Calif. — a desert town far from the beaches people usually picture when they think of my state.
Sports were a way of life in our family. With three siblings and Dominican roots on my dad’s side, competition and connection came naturally.
My dad loved baseball, and that passion spilled over to me. T-ball was my start, travel ball came soon after, and it quickly became clear that softball was where I belonged.
From the beginning, my parents told us there was no limit to what we could do. That belief carried me — first into all-star teams, then into travel ball, and eventually to the chance to play Division I softball.
The game became more than a sport. It was a way to honor my family, my culture, and the lessons I was raised on.
No Limits
That lesson of “no limits” has stayed with me at every stage.
When recruiting didn’t always go the way I hoped, when injuries slowed me down, or when the game tested me, I thought back to my parents’ words: there’s nothing you can’t do.
My uncle, who played Division I baseball, and my grandfather, who loved the game, reinforced that mindset.
And my dad, with his Dominican roots, reminded me that baseball and softball were more than sports — they were part of who we are. Every swing, every inning was a way to connect to that tradition.
My family supported me through all of it, whether it was moving across the country, playing in new environments, or facing challenges.
And in return, I’ve always wanted to make them proud.
Finding My Place
That’s exactly what I felt when I came to DePaul.
On my visit, everything clicked — the campus woven right into the heart of Chicago, the competition of the Big East Conference, and the sense that this was where I belonged.
You can’t replicate the feeling of walking through the city and stepping straight into class. Or the chance to compete against programs like Georgetown, Villanova, and Creighton in some of the most iconic cities in the country.
DePaul has given me the opportunity not just to keep growing as a player but also to experience a new chapter of life.
Chicago has challenged me, inspired me, and gives me the space to find my best self.
On my visit, everything clicked — the campus woven right into the heart of Chicago, the competition of the Big East Conference, and the sense that this was where I belonged.
A Different Ball Game
Softball in the Midwest is a bit different from California.
The cold hits you first. The turf fields and indoor facilities take some getting used to. But those adjustments are small compared to the meaningful moments I’ve experienced here.
One of my favorites came when we played back in California. Competing near home, in front of my family and friends, was surreal. Facing powerhouse programs like UCLA and Texas A&M made it even more special.
After one game, I found myself signing autographs for kids in the crowd. That moment — knowing they were watching and dreaming, just like I did at their age — meant more to me than any stat line.
Because at the end of the day, my greatest accomplishment isn’t about numbers. It’s about impact. Whether it’s working camps, umpiring, or mentoring younger players, I’ve been able to show them what’s possible.
And that’s the part of this journey I’m most proud of.
Passing It On
For me, the best part of softball isn’t a stat line or a win.
It’s looking into the stands and seeing kids who remind me of myself, asking for an autograph or a word of advice.
I’ve run camps, umpired games, and worked with so many young girls who want to know if they can do it too.
My answer is always yes.
If you work hard, stay true to who you are, and become the kind of teammate people want to play with, the doors will open.
That’s what my parents taught me — there are no limits.
And that’s what I carry forward: honoring my roots, giving back to the game, and making sure the next generation sees what’s possible.
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