Not every athlete lives in the spotlight forever. Some step away on their own terms, choosing peace over public attention. Rodrigo Rodriguez Gil is one of those people. He’s a former professional volleyball player from Brazil, known for his height, talent, and impressive spike. But many people also know him as the ex-husband of Penny Taylor, the Australian basketball star.
Let’s talk about who Rodrigo really is, from his sports journey to his personal life that’s often kept behind closed doors.
Early Life and Love for Sports
Rodrigo was born on July 20, 1978, in Brazil. Like a lot of kids growing up in Brazil, he had a real passion for sports. While the country is famous for soccer, Rodrigo found his spark in volleyball. He stood out early in school for his athletic ability, and it was clear he was built for big things.
There aren’t many details out there about his school years, but one thing’s for sure—he worked hard. You don’t make it to pro level without putting in the grind. Rodrigo trained, studied, and kept pushing, always chasing his dream to play volleyball on the big stage.
Kicking Off His Volleyball Career
Rodrigo officially began his professional career in 1999 when he joined Sao Paulo FC. He played the position of outside hitter, and if you’ve seen him on the court, you know why. The guy’s a beast—196 cm tall (6’5”) and weighing in around 97 kg (214 lbs). His jumping ability? Wild. His spike reach was 345 cm (11’3”), and his block reach was 325 cm (10’8”). That’s serious athletic power.
But Rodrigo didn’t stop in Brazil. In 2000, he made a big move to Italy, where he really grew as a player. He suited up for several solid teams like:
- Pony Express Kappa Torino
- Conad Forli
- Samia Schio Sport
- Giotto Padova
- Edilesse Cavriago (this is where he wrapped up his playing career)
His time in Italy helped shape him into a well-respected player in the volleyball world. He didn’t always chase the spotlight, but his skills definitely turned heads.
How He Met Penny Taylor
While in Italy, Rodrigo’s life took an unexpected turn when he met Penny Taylor, a rising star in women’s basketball. She was playing pro ball in Europe, and the two athletes ran into each other in the early 2000s. It wasn’t long before their friendship turned into something more.
They got married in December 2005, and the wedding was straight out of a storybook. It all went down in Schio, Italy, and both families flew in from different corners of the world—Brazil and Australia. That alone tells you how much love and effort went into the day.
A Wedding to Remember
Let’s paint the picture for a second. The ceremony was held in a 400-year-old theater, filled with charm and history. Then came the reception in a villa from 1540. Pretty epic, right? The bridal party was special too. Penny’s sister Heather and her friend Hayley were bridesmaids. Rodrigo’s brother Marcello and his buddy Giba (yes, the legendary Brazilian volleyball player) were groomsmen.
It was elegant, emotional, and full of love. But like many relationships, things didn’t work out as planned.
The End of Their Marriage
By 2008, just three years after the wedding, Rodrigo and Penny decided to go their separate ways. There was no big scandal or public drama. Just two people figuring out that they were better apart than together.
They didn’t have any kids together, but their marriage is still a big part of both their stories. Penny went on to have a huge career in the WNBA and later in coaching. Rodrigo, though, chose a different path.
Life After the Limelight
After retiring from volleyball and separating from Penny, Rodrigo went quiet. He didn’t chase interviews or post his life all over social media. Honestly, it feels like he just wanted to live a normal, peaceful life—and who could blame him?
There are rumors that he may have remarried or even started a family, but nothing is confirmed. Rodrigo hasn’t made any public statements about his current life, and that seems to be just the way he likes it.
Some folks may wonder why someone would walk away from fame or attention. But for Rodrigo, it seems like peace matters more than popularity.