Felix ‘Alfonso’ Motagalvan
Age: 18 GPA: 3.9 College: University of California, Santa
Barbara
During his freshman year, Alfonso Motagalvan played basketball.
But it was during an indoor soccer tournament that soccer coach
Brian Hall recognized his potential and convinced him to go out for
the team the following year.
Felix ‘Alfonso’ Motagalvan
Age: 18 GPA: 3.9 College: University of California, Santa Barbara
During his freshman year, Alfonso Motagalvan played basketball. But it was during an indoor soccer tournament that soccer coach Brian Hall recognized his potential and convinced him to go out for the team the following year.
He did. And Motagalvan hasn’t looked back since.
This year, he was voted Central Coast Section Player of the Year in soccer – the first GHS soccer player to earn the honor. He was selected as TCAL Senior of the Year this year and MVP the year before. Motagalvan is also in the Olympic Development Program.
“He’s just a teenager, but he’s taught me more about myself than anybody,” Hall said. “He’s a very intense kid. … Along the way it hasn’t always been easy for him.”
In Sept. 2003, Motagalvan’s parents moved back to Mexico with his four younger sisters, and he had to decide whether to stay in Gilroy or move with his family.
“He realized there was a lot more he could do for himself and his family in the long run if he stayed,” Hall said.
So Motagalvan moved in the with his aunt, uncle and two cousins.
“My aunt and uncle took me in as if I were their kid and I’m very thankful for that,” he said.
With the support of his surrogate family and Hall – Motagalvan stayed on track with his school work.
With a 3.9 GPA, he will attend University of California, Santa Barbara, in the fall on a full-ride scholarship. He will be the first in his family to attend college.
While the idea of going professional is on his mind, Motagalvan is interested in becoming a psychologist.
“I like working with people and helping others with their problems,” he said. “No other career interests me.”
