Last Updated on April 30, 2025 By Nike Carkarel
Rodrigo Rodriguez Gil is best known as the former husband of legendary Australian basketball player Penny Taylor. The two were married from 2005 to 2008, and their union bridged two worlds, Brazil and Australia. As they built a love story grounded in mutual respect, shared athletic ambition, and a brief but memorable chapter of international romance.
Their wedding in Italy brought together families from opposite ends of the globe, marking the height of their transcontinental relationship. While their paths eventually diverged, Rodrigo Rodriguez Gil remains a name quietly remembered among volleyball circles and fans of Penny Taylor alike.
Quick Facts About Rodrigo Rodriguez Gil (2025):
- Full Name: Rodrigo Rodriguez Gil
- Date of Birth: July 20, 1978
- Place of Birth: Brazil
- Height: 196 cm (6’5”)
- Weight: 97 kg (214 lbs)
- Spike Reach: 345 cm (11’3”)
- Block Reach: 325 cm (10’8”)
- Position: Outside Hitter
- Professional Debut: 1999 – São Paulo FC/Motorola
- Italian Clubs: 5 total, including Giotto Padova
- Ex-Spouse: Penny Taylor (2005–2008)
- Current Status: Retired, private life post-divorce
Early Life and Education
On July 20, 1978, Rodrigo Rodriguez Gil was born in Brazil. He grew up like many kids in the country, surrounded by sports, sunshine, and a deep-rooted culture of athleticism.
From an early age, Rodrigo gravitated toward volleyball. While his peers chased footballs, he found himself drawn to the court and the net. His natural coordination and vertical leap set him apart, and by his teenage years, he was already turning heads as a promising athlete.
He completed his education in Brazil, where he balanced academics with competitive sports. Volleyball soon took center stage in his life, setting the stage for a professional career that would take him across continents.
Professional Volleyball Career
Starting Out in Brazil
In 1999, Rodrigo began his professional volleyball career as an outside hitter for São Paulo FC/Motorola. His agility, precision, and court awareness earned him a place among Brazil’s top league players.
With a spike reach of 345 cm (11’3″) and a block reach of 325 cm (10’8″), Rodrigo became known for his offensive firepower and defensive reliability. His performances didn’t just keep his team competitive, they also caught the attention of clubs in Europe.
Making His Mark in Italy
In 2000, Rodrigo made a significant leap in his career by moving to Italy, one of Europe’s most respected volleyball nations. He signed with Pony Express Kappa Torino, marking the beginning of a new chapter that would last several seasons.
Over the years, Rodrigo played for a number of Italian clubs, including:
- Conad Forlì
- Samia Schio Sport
- Giotto Padova
- Edilesse Cavriago
Each team offered different challenges, and Rodrigo met them with consistent performance. His ability to adapt to new lineups, strategies, and playing styles made him a valuable asset wherever he went.
By the time he wrapped up his career in Italy with Edilesse Cavriago, Rodrigo had already earned the respect of teammates, coaches, and opponents alike.
Love and Marriage to Penny Taylor
How They Met
Rodrigo met Penny Taylor in the early 2000s while they were both playing professionally in Schio, Italy. Penny, a rising star in international basketball, was competing for a local team, while Rodrigo was already a fixture in Italian volleyball.
Their first meetings were casual, friendly, the kind of encounters athletes often have while training in the same city. But over time, a bond began to grow. They exchanged numbers, kept in touch, and their connection slowly turned into something more.
A Wedding to Remember
After several years of dating, the couple tied the knot in December 2005. The wedding took place in Schio, the town where they had met. It was an intimate, meaningful celebration filled with personal touches.
Penny would later recall that it had snowed for two straight days before the wedding, creating uncertainty about travel and ceremony logistics. But on the big day, the sun broke through the clouds, adding a symbolic shine to their celebration.
The ceremony was held in a 400-year-old theater, giving the event a timeless, romantic charm. The reception took place at a historic villa built in 1540, where guests from both Brazil and Australia came together.
- With his brother and dearest friend beside him, Rodrigo’s groomsmen reflected the bonds he cherished most.
- Penny’s bridesmaids included her sister Heather and one of her longtime friends.
- Afterward, the couple embarked on a honeymoon, beginning their married life on a beautiful note.
Separation and Life Beyond
Despite their strong start, the marriage lasted only until 2008. The couple eventually separated, parting ways without much public noise or controversy. They didn’t have any children together, and both seemed to have respected the other’s journey after the split.
Life After Divorce
After his divorce from Penny Taylor, Rodrigo retreated from the public eye. Unlike many former athletes who turn to coaching, commentary, or media, he chose a quiet, personal life. He has kept his whereabouts and activities private, leading to limited public knowledge about his post-volleyball path.
It’s unclear whether Rodrigo remarried or started a family. What is certain is that he has maintained a low profile, steering clear of social media and public interviews.
Penny Taylor, meanwhile, found love again. In 2017, she married Diana Taurasi, a fellow basketball superstar. The couple now has two children and continues to inspire fans around the world through their family life and professional legacy.
Where Is Rodrigo Rodriguez Gil Now?
As of today, Rodrigo’s current location or profession remains unknown. Some believe he returned to Brazil, while others speculate he may have settled in Europe. But without any verified public presence, his post-retirement life is a mystery, perhaps intentionally so.
He doesn’t seem interested in fame or attention. Instead, he appears to have chosen peace and privacy, a path many admire but few talk about.
Final Thoughts
Rodrigo Rodriguez Gil may not be a household name, but his story resonates. He built a career through discipline and dedication, found love abroad, and embraced both triumph and transition with quiet dignity.
While he no longer plays under bright stadium lights, his life serves as a reminder: not all champions live loud. Some write their legacy in subtle ways, through actions, character, and the paths they choose when no one is watching.
