Behind the Lens: Inside the Chupacabras Media Team

A look inside the Chupacabras photography team capturing the moments beyond the game

For the McKinney Chupacabras FC photography interns, the role goes beyond action shots and final scores. It is about storytelling - capturing emotions and moments many fans never see.

From experienced shooters to those just getting started, each intern brings a different path, perspective, and approach on the sideline. Here is a look at members of the club’s photography team.

For Jody Rodriguez (@jodyrmedia), photography began with graduation portraits five years ago. Within a year, she found her niche in sports and did not look back.

Now based in McKinney, Rodriguez grew up in South Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2022 with a marketing degree. She started her career in social media while building her photography portfolio, eventually transitioning into sports full-time.

Her experience includes working with professional boxers in San Antonio, which she described as a “really cool experience.”

Rodriguez’s connection to soccer runs deep. As a longtime sports fan, she has always been drawn to capturing defining moments. With a family background rooted in the game, her long-term goal is to work as a photographer for a professional soccer team - a path this role with the Chupacabras helps advance.

Her interest in photography began at her church, which needed photographers. Using her father’s camera and driven by curiosity, she stepped in - the starting point of a long-term pursuit.

While Rodriguez brings experience, others on the team are just beginning.

Photo: Christian Banuelas

Photo: Anthony Corona

For Mariana Ramirez (4mars.vision), photography extends beyond the action on the pitch.

The 23-year-old developed her interest while in high school, when she discovered a focus on candid moments.

“You can tell a lot from a picture — the emotions and things like that,” Ramirez said. “There’s stories behind them.”

Ramirez approaches her work with a storytelling mindset, focusing not just on play but on the surrounding environment. Her guiding principle: “Capture what nobody else is seeing.”

Rather than prioritizing action, the McKinney native looks for emotion — in the crowd, on the sidelines, and in the moments that define the experience.

“It means more when you can get into the storytelling side,” Ramirez said.

Together, the interns form a group united by curiosity, creativity, and a shared objective: to tell the Chupacabras story through their lenses.

Whether capturing a decisive goal, a reaction in the stands, or a moment before kickoff, their work brings the club’s identity to life through moments others overlook.

Written by Grayson Pitts

Edited by Elliott Stockdale

Photo: Jody Rodriguez

Christian Banuelas (cb.visuals17) is the youngest intern. At 16, he has been shooting for one year after being introduced to photography by friends. A former goalkeeper, he remains connected to the sport through a different lens. He aims to pursue photography full-time and views the internship as an opportunity to gain exposure in sports media.

Anthony Corona (pocho.media) is also early in his development. He began five months ago but is already focused on a career in sports. Set to attend the University of North Texas in the fall, Corona played soccer until the COVID-19 pandemic and now stays involved through media.

Photo: Christian Banuelas in action

Photo: Mariana Ramirez