Weaver Staff Doubles as Professional Soccer Player
Weaver employees participate in many activities outside of the office, including recreational sports leagues of all kinds – softball, flag football, soccer and more. And there’s one particular member at Weaver who plays at a higher level than most.
Unbeknownst to many, perhaps, Dallas IT Advisory Associate Monica Alvarado doubles as a professional soccer player and played in the 2015 Women’s World Cup for the Mexican National Team. Monica, a TCU soccer alumna, shares her experience both on off the field.
Name: Monica Alvarado
Position: Center or Defensive Midfield
What is your current position at Weaver, and how long have you worked here?
I interned with Weaver my senior year of college. I have been back with Weaver as an IT Advisory Associate starting August of this year.
How did you end up working at Weaver in IT Advisory Services (ITAS)?
When I heard there was an internship in IT Advisory Services at Weaver it really interested me. I knew I wanted to stay in the IT world, and it sounded like an amazing mix between my two majors—Finance and Business Information Systems. I had the opportunity to see how companies in different industries operated their IT Departments, and I wanted to learn more. I really liked the people I worked with in ITAS, so it was a win-win.
Can you give me a brief overview of what is that you do in your work?
We look at the risks, threats, and current operations of a company’s IT environments and offer recommendations and input for improvement.
What was your first memory of soccer?
In second grade, I played on a co-ed team called the Dragons. I loved running and playing next to the boys, especially when I would beat them.
When did you realize you were competitive enough to be on the Mexican National Team?
Not until a scout from the team wanted me to join. When I was 14 years old my D1 club team coach encouraged me to play for the U17 Mexican National Team, but I told him I didn’t want to. A year later, a Mexican National Team scout told me I stood out and told me to try out after watching one of my games.
What was your favorite part about playing in the 2015 World Cup?
My favorite part about representing Mexico in the last World Cup was seeing all the fans. The fact that we had fans come to Canada from Mexico to come support us shows the progress our team has made.
What has been the most challenging part about playing soccer at such a high level?
Competition. You are constantly being looked at by the coaches, and every practice is essentially a tryout. There are always so many players trying out for the team and competing for your spot.
What has been the most rewarding thing about your achievements?
The most rewarding thing for me is looking at where I started and where I ended. I have had a hard time proving myself as a soccer player growing up. Soccer is a very political sport, so even the best players do not make it to the level that they should. When I started club in 5th grade, I started on a Division 2 league team and worked my way up to some of the best/most competitive teams in the Division 1 league. I used to play on the Olympic development team for North Texas and started on the C team, worked my way up to the B team, and then ended on the A team at the end. To make it on a full national team and play at the highest level is something that I am so honored to have experienced. So for me, seeing the little steps and improvements that I have made throughout my career is the most rewarding.
Are you superstitious? Are there any rituals you do before games?
I used to be. I always put my right shoe on before my left, and if I forgot, I would take off the left one and put my right one on first.
Congratulations, Monica, on your achievements, and thank you for sharing your experience with us.