Coach Alex Alvarez
If it were up to Alex, this space would probably just be left blank.
Around the Panther MTB Team, he’s somehow picked up the nickname of the "mean coach"—a label he happily leans into, even though no one is really fooled. In reality, he’s one of the most approachable guys on the trail. Whether he’s cracking a joke to lighten the mood or hanging around to chat after practice, Alex is the kind of person who naturally brings the team together and makes everyone feel welcome.
His work for the team speaks for itself. As a Level 3 Coach, Alex offers steady, quiet guidance on the dirt, helping riders build their skills and confidence at their own pace. His dedication doesn't stop at the mountain bike trails, either. Lately, he's been putting in the work to sharpen his own road skills, and his leadership on our summer road rides has been a huge help in keeping our student-athletes in shape over the break.
When he isn't in the saddle, he takes on the less glamorous work behind the scenes as our team Treasurer, making sure the administrative gears keep turning so the rest of the crew can just enjoy the ride. He specifically asked us not to make a big deal out of him, but we couldn't skip the chance to say thanks. Coach Alex is a dependable friend, a solid leader, and a big part of what makes this team work.