Jordan Alvarado grew up watching his sister play sports, and the recent JSerra Catholic High School graduate credits her with his introduction to basketball.
“She mostly leaned toward soccer and basketball,” says Alvarado of his sister. “I tried out both, and I liked basketball.”
As a point guard, Alvarado enjoys the leadership requirements of the position. And having served as a captain this past season for the Lions, the 18-year-old was intent on keeping his teammates on track.
“I have to make sure that we fight through adversity…and everyone’s doing their roles and contributing positively,” says Alvarado. “Off the court, I’m always there for all the players on the team, supporting them through everything.”
Alvarado’s love for hoops is derived from the life lessons the game teaches. He feels basketball has helped him not only grow as an athlete, but as a person as well. As he leaves JSerra, Alvarado admits he will miss the camaraderie he felt with his team.
“I’m just going to miss being out there on the court and not playing for myself, but playing for everyone around me,” says Alvarado.
One of the most challenging aspects of basketball for the Rancho Santa Margarita resident has been dealing with injuries during the summer seasons when club teams play and college exposure and recruiting opportunities are at their peak. Despite being sidelined during those critical months, Alvarado was determined to push for his dreams of playing basketball at the collegiate level.
“I overcame it by taking advantage of every opportunity I got and [by] giving my all,” says Alvarado.
As a result, Alvarado is headed to the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, where he will play Division III basketball and study business and computer science. The process is among the many life lessons he’s gained from the sport.
“One of the main things I’ve learned is to fight through adversity and to never give up on anything I believe in,” says Alvarado. “I’m going to follow that everywhere I go.”
In an effort to give back to the game that has taught him so much, Alvarado has spent time coaching youth players through National Junior Basketball (NJB). His faith is an integral part of his time on the court, and Alvarado incorporates prayer to help steady his mind as he prepares to play.
“Just knowing that I have God’s presence there really helps me feel comforted,” says Alvarado, “and knowing that he’s there with me and [that] I have strength and hope.”
Inspired and motivated by the friends who surround him, Alvarado has learned from them what it means to, “stick closer than a brother.”
“They always keep me going, and they’re always there for me,” says Alvarado. “They’re never going to give up on me, and I’ll never give up on them.”