Daniela Rodriguez of Houston, Texas Wins ESPN Deportes' DREAM JOB: EL REPORTERO

LOS ANGELES, May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- ESPN Deportes announced today that Daniela Rodriguez of Houston, TX has been selected as the winner of its second installation of the network's reality series Dream Job: El Reportero.  Rodriguez was chosen among the seven finalists during the special three-episode show telecasted on ESPN Deportes. As the winner, Rodriguez will travel to South Africa this summer to serve on her first assignment as an ESPN Deportes reporter to cover the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 

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After being selected in Dallas as the only female finalist in the competition, Rodriguez stood out from the seven contestants with her broadcasting skills, personality, camera presence and her general knowledge of soccer. Throughout the competition, Rodriguez and the finalists competed in a series of on-air tasks such as anchoring a studio show, acting as a reporter, conducting interviews and participating in numerous debates. During the final show, Rodriguez competed head-to-head with Dhaniel Sanchez selected in Los Angeles and Rafael Luna selected in San Diego, proving to the judges that she has what it takes to become an ESPN Deportes reporter. In addition to becoming an ESPN Deportes reporter, Rodriguez won a brand new 2010 Ford Fusion Sports car. 

"This year we saw a lot of talent during the casting tour," said Christian Calcagno, coordinating producer, ESPN Deportes, ESPN International.   "Our seven finalists' vast knowledge, skills and competitive attitude showed us how passionate fans are about soccer, but we felt Daniela would do a fantastic job of representing ESPN Deportes through her enthusiastic reporting and passion for this game."

The three-episode finals of "Dream Job: El Reportero" aired on ESPN Deportes on three consecutive Mondays: April 26, May 3 and May 10. A panel of judges consisting of ESPN Deportes' most recognized soccer experts including Daniel 'El Ruso' Brailovsky, David Faitelson, Rafa Ramos and 2006 Dream Job winner Mauricio Pedroza, oversaw the competition and voted on the contestants. 

Rodriguez, 27, who currently resides in Houston working as an account executive for a communications company, was born with a passion for the Mexican team, America.  Her grandfather was a professional soccer player and from an early age, Rodriguez has followed the world of soccer. Other finalists included Ernesto Miranda (New York), Joseph van Wyk (Miami), Andres Arias (Chicago), Rafael Luna (San Diego), Dhaniel Sanchez (Los Angeles) and the AT&T Wildcard finalist chosen by fans, Mauricio Villarreal (Chicago).

"I still can't believe this moment. This is a dream come true for me," said Rodriguez. "The Dream Job journey has been an incredible experience, the best in my life.  "I started this competition just for the experience and look where my passion for soccer has taken me.  Becoming an ESPN Deportes reporter is an honor and a big responsibility and I look forward to joining the network's reputable commentator line-up."  

The second installation of Dream Job: El Reportero traveled the country holding open auditions providing sports fans the opportunity to become part of the network's team and travel to South Africa to cover the biggest soccer event of the year.  During a six-city casting tour, more than 1,000 contestants were judged by the network's top commentators on their knowledge of soccer, on-camera presence and their overall smooth reporting style.  Throughout the journey, ESPN Deportes, their judging panel, along with the program's marketing partners Ford, AT&T, Infinity Auto Insurance and Burger King had the opportunity to interact with hundreds of fans many with extraordinary storylines and the dream of becoming the network's next reporter.  For more information, visit: http://dreamjob.espndeportes.com.

SOURCE ESPN Deportes