The girls’ volleyball team at Community High School Texas in Collin County raised $9,000 to buy a car for their guard, Abel Rodriguez, after discovering he stayed late cheering them on, often waiting until 1 a.m. to get home.
According to reports and widely shared social media posts, the gesture gained attention when it first occurred in November 2025. Months later, the story is once again circulating online, bringing renewed focus to the students’ initiative and the results of their fundraising campaign.
How the volleyball team raised $9,000 for its goalkeeper
Rodriguez was known within the school for arriving early, staying late, and regularly attending volleyball games. Students described him as a steady presence that supported the team during matches, making him a well-known figure in the school community.The team decided to act after realizing that Rodriguez did not have a car. One night, he stayed at school until 1 a.m., waiting for a ride after work. This highlighted the difficulty of a process that led students to organize support.The students launched a fundraising campaign to buy a car. Within 24 hours, they had raised several thousand dollars, and within a week the total had reached $9,000, making it possible to purchase a used car.
Local organizations contributed to this initiative. Group 1 Ford of Rockwall helped purchase the vehicle, while JR Arey State Farm Agency helped cover insurance and fuel costs.
Emotional detection
Rodriguez was called outside and was surprised by the students and staff gathered in the parking lot. Video clips show his emotional reaction when the car was unveiled, with the crowd cheering.Even though the event took place in November 2025, the story is being reshared on social media, introducing it to new audiences and increasing its visibility again.The automobile provided reliable transportation, reducing the need for late-night rides and improving the daily commute.The fundraising campaign addressed a specific need and demonstrated how coordinated efforts within a school community can produce practical results.