It doesn’t matter where on the soccer field 17-year-old Nestor Alvarez plays: offense, defense, even goalkeeper. Alvarez is, according to Santa Maria High School soccer coach Al Garcia, “tearing it up.”
“He’s our second-most productive offensive player, but he can play just about anywhere,” Garcia said.
The coach recounted a recent match in which Alvarez managed a hat trick. That’s three goals in a single game. The Saints went on to win that game 8-0.
Alvarez, who’s been playing varsity since his freshman year, said his brothers taught him to play when he was 10. They did a good job teaching him how to be a great player both on and off the field: He doesn’t have to think long at all when asked what his favorite part of the game is.
“When we score,” he said, putting emphasis on the “we.” “It’s not just me. It’s when we score as a team.”
With 22 goals and 25 assists to Alvarez’s credit, Garcia explained that the player may not be leading the league in scoring, but “he’s up there.”
“He’s a very respectful and respected student,” Garcia said. “That makes him a good leader, a good role model.”
Alvarez also plays for the Cheriff Soccer Academy club, which won the state championship last season. Alvarez hopes to play for a professional team in Mexico after he graduates—though Garcia is happy he gets Alvarez for one more season.
“He’s a very, very gifted junior,” the coach said.
This article appears in Feb 12-19, 2009.