Co-Captain Jack Alexander ’25, goalkeeper for Boys Soccer, holds his team to a high standard. With a strong emphasis on accountability, he fosters a kind and welcoming community. Alexander’s vision for the team extends beyond simply reaching playoffs. He hopes that his teammates internalize the importance of having fun, building good habits, and fostering bonds this fall that carry on well beyond the season.
His brother motivated him to start playing in the first place.
“I started playing soccer when I was about five or six. My older brother played, and I looked up to him a lot when I was a kid, so I followed in his footsteps and joined a local league. From there, I met coaches who pushed me to improve, and I kept playing for better teams until I eventually got to Andover,” said Alexander.
Alexander spoke on how he thrives under the pressure of crucial moments in tight games. He shared how the feeling that comes with making big saves is irreplicable.
“As a goalkeeper, I love the responsibility, especially in tight games. In this position you can go many games where you don’t touch the ball until one very important moment, which brings a lot of pressure, but, the feeling of having to make a big save with everything on the line is something you can’t replicate,” said Alexander.
On the field, Alexander is recognized for both his impressive physical ability and his knowledge of the game. Micheal Staii ’27 noted Alexander’s soccer IQ, highlighting his ability to make smart passes and have correct positioning in the goal.
“Jack is very athletic and has great footwork and overall technique. He has a really strong foundation of skills in the sport. Beyond just physical skill though, he’s an extremely smart player. He’s good at finding the right pass and knowing where to be when defending the goal, which is necessary in such a crucial position,” said Staii.
Alexander strives to balance maintaining a fun team atmosphere while also upholding the team’s high expectations. He emphasizes the importance of promptness, proper rest, and good nutrition to his teammates.
“I want them to understand the importance of having fun, but also holding themselves to a standard. Whether it’s getting to practice early or taking care of things like sleep and nutrition, I hope they take that seriously while enjoying their time here,” said Alexander.
Andrew Rodrigues ’27 mentioned how Alexander commands the field. According to Rodrigues, his presence is felt tremendously by the entire field.
“He’s really good at almost everything, but I’d say his biggest strength is communication. As a goalkeeper, he commands the field, and you can hear him all the way from the top of the field. He wants the team to win because he knows our potential and really believes in us and that is evident in the way he talks to and treats us. He wants everyone to stay focused and give 100 percent effort in everything, whether it’s at practice or during games,” said Rodrigues.
Alexander assumes a similar character even off the field, providing a familiar face for each of his teammates.
“One of Jack’s main values is making a brotherhood, and that means off the field too. Off the field, he’s always saying hi to everyone and looks out for the team. He cares about everyone which is valuable. He really helps bring us together as a community and he often organizes team lunches and dinners,” said Staii.
Looking to the future, Alexander hopes to move on to the postseason. Moreover, Alexander acknowledged that the close relationships formed throughout the fall will allow him to stay connected with players long after his Andover career comes to a close.
“This season we have many goals even aside from making the postseason, I think we’re building something special in terms of team dynamic. I plan to stay connected with these guys even after the season, maybe even after high school. It’s more than just winning, everyone is enjoying themselves, and it shows in how we play,” said Alexander.
