Great coaches don’t just build athletes, they build people. For Soldiers To Sidelines, that mission comes to life through April’s Soldier Coach of the Month, Kristopher Alvarez, whose journey from the field to military service and back again has shaped a purpose-driven approach to leadership. With 12 years of coaching experience, Kristopher currently coaches both varsity football and varsity girls’ soccer at Putnam City West High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Serving as Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator for football, as well as Head JV Coach and Assistant Varsity Coach for girls’ soccer, he is using sport as a platform to mentor, inspire, and create lasting impact far beyond the scoreboard. Read more about his story below.
STS: Tell your story about how and why you got into coaching. Discuss how coaching has impacted you as a person.
Coach Alvarez: I got into coaching prior to my time in the military. I was lucky to be playing for a semi-pro football team as a linebacker. Prior to leaving for OSUT, I remained with the team as a linebacker coach. My childhood coaches would tell me that I had potential to be a coach, and I didn’t really notice it until I started coaching. After moving to Germany, I was able to connect with an organization that was looking for coaches. The Bondorf Bulls organization was the true start of the passion I have for coaching. Even though the team was new, working with those athletes and developing myself as a coach and person was a huge eye-opener. Since Germany, I have been working hard to continue to be a better coach, mentor, and inspiration to every one of my athletes.
STS: How has your military experience influenced you as a coach?
Coach Alvarez: My military experience has been able to provide me with a starting point to lead, develop, and achieve. Having a squad or a team of soldiers under your leadership is very similar to coaching athletes of all ages.
STS: How has Soldiers to Sidelines impacted your life?
Coach Alvarez: Soldiers to Sidelines has helped me in multiple ways. Since the first football certification I attended online while in Germany, I have learned different ways to develop my coaching culture, mission, philosophy, and how to interact with the numerous roles and goals of being a coach. One of the biggest impacts has been the networking and events that are hosted by Soldiers to Sidelines. I have met other incredible coaches such as Harrison, Brady Nix, Aaron Brady, Kenny Stepp, and Marlando Stiles, just to name a few.
I’ve been constantly able to talk with and learn so much from so many different coaching minds, starting at the youth level and going all the way to professional leagues.
STS: Describe a coaching interaction with a player, or group of players, that has a special place in your heart.
Coach Alvarez: I have a group of players who have made it a goal to change their lives based on the interactions we have together. This group of kids has shown massive improvement in their lives and has done so much to be examples for the rest of their team. I talk with these kids every day, and they provide updates on what they have been doing.
They have also joined me in attending the youth group summer camp for my church. They are a constant reminder that wins and losses will happen, but making a bigger and more important impact on their lives is the best outcome any coach should achieve.
STS: What are your aspirations in coaching?
Coach Alvarez: One day, I aspire to be a head coach or a college assistant coach, but most of all, I aspire to make positive impacts and build a coaching legacy that all my former, current, and future athletes can use as an example when they chase and reach their goals. I aspire to accomplish the role I was designed for by God and continue to do what will help everyone I work with.
STS: What was the most difficult challenge you have experienced in coaching, and what have you learned from that experience?
Coach Alvarez: One of the biggest challenges I have faced in recent years has been thoughts of doubt and discouragement in my abilities. I say this not because of the records I have had in the past few years, but when I see the kids discouraged by outcomes or not wanting to be part of the team because of a lack of success is being seen. I feel at times I am not fulfilling my role to ensure they don’t worry about game outcomes, but instead realize that all the coaches are helping them be the best possible people and teaching them how to overcome adversity to keep pushing forward.
STS: Is there anything else you can share with us about your coaching story?
Coach Alvarez: I am currently on the hunt for my first Head Coach opportunity and hope to one day earn that role and make more impact for my future student-athletes.
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