Roberto Alvarez's journey to become a collegiate soccer player began long before the weekend road trips to soccer tournaments. It began long before he started kicking a ball at 3 years old. It even began long before his mother named him Roberto Carlos, in a nod to the famous Brazilian soccer player, a left footer like himself.
Alvarez said his journey began when his parents immigrated from El Salvador to the United States.
Alvarez's father, Roberto, grew up during the civil war in El Salvador and immigrated to the United States at 15 to live with an aunt, who offered him a chance at a better life. Later, his father met his mother, Ada, at a wedding back in El Salvador. The next year, they had a wedding of their own. The two moved to Houston, and Roberto was born five years later.
Alvarez grew up immersed in both Salvadoran and American culture and speaks both Spanish and English. Throughout his childhood, he attended his family's church and spent holidays with his extended family, eating traditional Salvadoran foods like tamales, yucca, arroz con leche and pupusas.
"I've lived an American life growing up, but I still had the Salvadoran background mixed together. I enjoyed both of it because I got to see both sides, to see how fortunate I am to have all this," he said.
As Alvarez grew, so did his love for soccer. Through the long travel, financial demands and time commitment of competitive soccer, Alvarez's mother encouraged him to continue playing. His hard work paid off. In high school, he earned first-team all-state honors and participated in a national training camp in 2022. When it came time to choose a college, Queens (North Carolina) became the obvious choice.
"I chose Queens mainly because of coach Oliver (Carias). He's very sentimental," Alvarez said. "He is not just a great coach, but also a great person outside the field."
A native of Guatemala, Carias came to the United States to play for Queens in 2001, earning All-America honors and four all-conference selections. After graduation, he joined the coaching staff as an assistant coach and was promoted to head coach in 2011.
"His history and his background made me feel at home, made me feel comfortable with him instantly," Alvarez said of Carias.
Alvarez said the only time the two disagree is when it comes to the Guatemala and El Salvador soccer teams. Alvarez said Carias "is like a second dad to me."
Alvarez, who is majoring in business administration, has found success on the field from day one, taking a shot on goal in his first college soccer match. He appeared in every match during the 2023 season and has started in all four games as a sophomore this season. He said he enjoys every moment he gets to be on the field.
Reflecting on his success, Alvarez said his parents' values guide him.
"Always believe in God. That is a big thing, especially for my dad. Have faith and always do the right thing, even when no one's looking," he said.
His mother has always told him to give his all in everything he does. Alvarez said both of his parents' lessons taught him to be a silent leader on the team, making his teammates feel comfortable and safe while having fun.
"At the end of the day, always be united, no matter win, loss, tie. Always be brothers, be a family and be supportive of each other. That is one thing that I got from my parents."
As Alvarez recognizes the sacrifices his parents made, he also finds immense pride in his heritage.
"I love representing not just my parents, but El Salvador, as well. It's a great country, and I love it over there," he said. "I'm never afraid to say I'm Salvadoran. I say it loud and proud."
Alvarez is grateful for his parents' decision to come to the United States. In turn, his parents are grateful for their son's ability to play soccer while receiving an education.
"I have established the foundation to have a successful life after college and after my (soccer) career. And that's what they're most happy about, that all those sacrifices that they made have and will pay off."
Alvarez, a sophomore, expressed gratitude for his parents' sacrifices to help him play college soccer. (Photo courtesy of Roberto Alvarez)
