Henry Alvarado '23 Recruiting Profile

I am a 6'1, 170lb two-way midfielder that loves to shoot, hit, win ground balls, and set picks for the team. My name is Henry Alvarado, and I am a rising senior at Servite High School. This will be my second full year playing lacrosse. I started playing lacrosse the summer before my junior year. I spent six weeks on Junior Varsity before moving up to starting SSDM on Varsity. Learning lacrosse has come incredibly easy to me. Within three games, I was moved to become a two-way midfielder. The sport is extremely fun, and I enjoy every second I play. I am a dedicated leader who always puts my team first. Also, I am hardworking, coachable, and creative. I soak up information like a sponge. 

Other sports I have played in the past consist of football, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. These sports have played a vital role in my development as an athlete. In playing football, I obtained the ability to find my teammates in the passing game. My vision of the field matured and rose to a level where finding teammates in challenging situations became easier and easier. Being the team's leader taught me how to deal with many personalities. I learned to lead my team not only when we were winning but also when we were losing. It was no easy feat, but I loved every minute of it. 

Playing soccer for ten years as a defensive midfielder "sweeper" and a midfielder taught me how to accurately hit and discombobulate opposing players and time their runs. This helps me in lacrosse to stay in front of my man and to read their body language. My ability to consistently talk through plays on both sides of the ball perfectly carried over to my lacrosse game and is one of my many strengths. Soccer has also assisted me in my endurance. I can outrun anyone on the field in a short burst or the whole field on a clear. Not only can I outrun the other team, but I can also win the physical game for ground balls.

Basketball brought my game to a new level in all sports I played. My position was forward, which helped me elevate myself as an athlete and an individual to become very coordinated. Being 6'1, I can maneuver around defenders with ease. Being coordinated also boosted my creativity. Basketball added a lot of style to my game and helped improve my vision. I can be shifty and smooth, putting moves on defenders and keeping up with talented offensive players. Lacrosse is a fast-moving game and requires teammates to be able to read one another and act on a dime. Due to basketball, I can seamlessly read others and cater to their needs. 

As a volleyball player, I was my team's outside hitter. I was the scorer of my team. More than 90% of all balls came my way. I was never a selfish player, but this got me hooked on scoring. Not only would I constantly score, but I would score when it mattered most. I wanted every ball that came our way, and seeing the opposing team set up to block me only made me want to score more. Being the biggest offensive threat on my team opened up multiple opportunities for my teammates to succeed. My vision enabled me to see gaps left for my teammates, and we would inevitably exploit them, just like in lacrosse. I love scoring but drawing the slide and seeing my teammates open brings me just as much joy.

Growing up was not always easy for me. Unfortunately, my parents separated when I was 12 years old. I lost the innocence of my childhood. I have had to mature faster than most people my age and older. My mother was never there for me as I grew up and would try to hurt me in any way she could. She still does to this day. Thanks to the support of my father, family, and sports like lacrosse, I have been able to overcome, heal, and grow to be strong of mind and heart. 

When I'm not playing lacrosse, you will find me mountain biking, swimming, working construction, hanging out with friends, spending time with my family, working out, or volunteering at youth camps. At Servite High School, I am a member of the Red Cross Club. I genuinely love helping people. My collegiate goal is to be part of a team that treats each other like family both on and off the field, but is also disciplined and hard working. 

Henry Alvarado '23