Former Boys Soccer Co-Captain Jack Alexander ’25 plays Division III soccer at Grinnell College.
Previously a Co-Captain of Boys Soccer, Jack Alexander ’25 now competes as a goalkeeper for Grinnell College’s Division III Men’s Soccer program. For the week of October 2, 2025, the Midwest Conference named him its Men’s Soccer Defensive Performer of the Week after successive shutouts against Monmouth College and Ripon College. As a Senior at Andover, he was awarded the Schubert Key, given annually to a varsity athlete who excels in their sport and demonstrates exemplary leadership qualities. In the same season, Alexander was recognized with All-NEPSAC honors.
This fall, Grinnell College’s soccer team made it to the finals in its conference’s championship, ultimately falling to Lake Forest College. Alexander shared his enjoyment of competing collegiately and described the challenges of student-athlete life as familiar, even though it’s his first year playing at the university level.
“I had a blast participating as a goalkeeper for Grinnell Men’s Soccer this year. We ranked fairly well, losing in the finals of our Midwest Conference. I, myself, played decent by my standards — definitely could have been better in some areas. The best part has been that this fall, I was able to focus completely on soccer, which I attest to Andover’s rigor. It’s tough, but I have no doubts that it really prepares you to be a collegiate student-athlete. You have to balance your time to survive Andover and that’s the exact same in college,” wrote Alexander in an email to The Phillipian.
Grinnell, Iowa, where Grinnell College is located, has a population of just around 10,000 people. Alexander mentioned that locals build the community, regularly attending games and offering personal support. He also emphasized that the strong team bond has defined his experience.
“The most enjoyable part is the community. Andover did it well with events like A/E which will probably be the most fans I’ll ever have for one game. However, college contributes to a different kind of community. It feels incredible to see locals in this small rural town in Iowa consistently coming to our games, cheering loudly, and learning our names. Then there’s also the immediate community of the soccer team, who have already become some of my closest friends,” wrote Alexander.
As his time at Grinnell College continues, Alexander is excited to continue seeking out new experiences through classes and unconventional activities.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to learn about this weird place I found myself in. I enjoy throwing myself into new environments (as I did for Andover) and so I did the same for Grinnell. This includes taking some weird classes (because why not?) and going on random side quests. You have plenty of time in college but I wish I did this a bit more in Andover as well. One of my favorite classes was pottery [Senior] year,” wrote Alexander.
Alexander noted that he hopes Andover students value college sports, at all levels, for the sense of community they provide. He offered advice to athletes hoping to continue their sport past high school.
“I would appreciate it if Andover students knew that being a student-athlete isn’t sacrificing your education. Yes, you need to be on top of things, but you will build an immense social circle of people not just wishing to support you but actively vouch for your success. If you like a sport and aren’t done with it yet, play in college (club works great as well),” wrote Alexander.
