An Introduction to a Figure of Resilience
In the world of college football, where coaches and players often dominate the headlines, some of the most compelling stories unfold away from the gridiron. This is the story of Rita Setliff, a woman widely known as the wife of veteran football coach Rich Rodriguez. But to define her by her marriage alone would be to miss the quiet strength and unwavering resilience that have characterized her life.
Her journey is one of love, loyalty, and grace under pressure, revealing a woman who is much more than just a coach’s wife. She is a mother, a campus icon, and a pillar of support who has navigated the highs and lows of public life with remarkable fortitude.
From West Virginia Roots to University Life
Rita Christina Setliff was born on March 31, 1963, in the heart of West Virginia. Growing up with strong local roots, she eventually found her way to West Virginia University, where she enrolled to pursue a degree in Business Administration.
It was here, in the vibrant atmosphere of university life, that the foundations of her future would be laid, not just academically but personally, setting the stage for a life she may not have anticipated.
A Sideline Romance: How Rita Met Rich Rodriguez
The 1980s at West Virginia University were a time of classic campus stories, and one of the most enduring began on the sidelines. Rita, a spirited and fiery Mountaineer cheerleader, caught the eye of Rich Rodriguez, an ambitious and focused young football player.
Their connection was immediate, sparking a romance that felt like it was straight out of a storybook. The cheerleader and the football player, their paths crossing amidst the electric energy of college sports, began a journey together that would last for decades.
Building a Family Amidst the Spotlight
On July 1, 1989, Rita and Rich solidified their partnership, tying the knot in a ceremony filled with friends, family, and the promise of a shared future. As Rich’s coaching career began to take off, their family grew with the arrival of two children, a daughter named Raquel and a son named Rhett.
Both children inherited their parents’ passion for the sports world. Raquel, a former cheerleader at the University of Arizona, has built a career in football administration, while Rhett, a former quarterback, has followed in his father’s footsteps as a coach. The family, despite moving across the country for various coaching positions, remained a tight-knit unit.
The Heart of the Team: Miss Rita’s Famous Nacho Cheese Dip
Beyond her role as a wife and mother, Rita carved out her own unique and beloved identity within the university communities she was a part of. She became famous for “Miss Rita’s World Famous Nacho Cheese Dip,” a simple gesture that turned into a cherished tradition.
This wasn’t just any snack; it became one of the most coveted weekly awards on campus, given to deserving players who showed exceptional effort. This tradition made her an adored figure, affectionately known as “Miss Rita” in the locker room and a true icon of team spirit.
A Career of Her Own: Before the Sidelines
Before she dedicated her life to supporting her family and the football community, Rita had a professional career of her own. With her degree in Business Administration, she worked for a telephone company, a role in which she trained university employees on new phone systems.
She retired from this position in 1996, choosing to focus on her family as her husband’s career demanded more of their time and took them to different cities. This decision speaks to her commitment to her family’s journey.
A Pillar of Strength Through Public Storms
The life of a coach’s family is often lived under a microscope, and the Rodriguez family was no exception. Rita stood by her husband through numerous public challenges, including a contentious legal battle with West Virginia University in 2007 over a contract buyout.
Later, in 2018, she faced a deeply personal storm when Rich admitted to an extramarital affair amid allegations of workplace misconduct. Throughout these trials, Rita remained a pillar of strength, supporting her husband while enduring intense public scrutiny with grace and dignity. Her resilience in these moments revealed the true depth of her character.
The Enduring Legacy of Rita Setliff
Today, Rita Setliff’s legacy is one of quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and profound grace. She has been more than a silent partner in a high-profile marriage; she has been a source of stability, a beloved community figure, and the heart of her family.
Her story is a powerful reminder that behind every public figure, there are often unsung heroes whose support and resilience make everything possible. Rita Setliff has proven time and again that she is a formidable woman in her own right, defined not by the spotlight, but by her enduring character.
