FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

We are pleased to announce Alex Arvizo as the new Youth Academy Director starting after the 2025 spring season

Alex was raised in Albuquerque with his three brothers, two sisters, and parents. Before coaching, Alex was a Rio alumni player on the Rio Vista Reds ’95 team and finished his career at Norwich University with their men’s soccer program. As a player, Alex represented New Mexico in multiple ODP events,  won multiple state club championships, was a 4-year starter for St. Pius X, a member of the USAFA Prep School Team, and balanced his academics with his athletics in Vermont at Norwich University by lettering all four years and earning All-Academic Conference team.  Alex began coaching with the Youth Academy and led an after-school program in the year between the USAFA Prep School and Norwich. Alex would return to coaching after graduating, with the Youth Academy but ultimately moved to coach two U-9 boys’ teams for the past 3 years. Alex has completed his D license and is in the process of earning his C license in the Summer of 2025. Alex lives with his wife, new born son, and their two dogs.  Alex States: 

I am blessed and grateful to be taking over Youth Academy from a friend and mentor in Aidan Yeomans. He, like me, came up as a player to rise to coach and director; he has done a tremendous job with the Youth Academy and I hope to be able to fill his shoes.  I believe both of us would agree that the intangibles we received from the club are what make us stay and give back. For me, those qualities would be not only the friends I made but also the coaching I received. I would especially like to thank Jason Hix, Michael Strati, Chris Cartlidge, and Adam Pfeifer. These coaches have given so much of their time to help me and my teammates enjoy this beautiful game. I began coaching because of their example and mentorship. I hope to embody those traits by leading the talented coaches in the Youth Academy and sharing my passion with the base and future of our club.   I am grateful for this opportunity to lead the Youth Academy and coach the next generations of soccer players who will do great things for our local community and state and US Soccer.

NM Rapids DOC Chris Hurst States

“Alex is taking over the biggest and best Youth program in the state.  With that comes responsibility.  His experience off the field in his every day job will stand him in great stead with the amount of communication and organization running a program like this requires.  On the field, Alex has been a valuable member of our coaching staff, and we are thrilled when he expressed he would like to do more for us.  An offer we could not refuse.  We are excited to see what new ideas Alex can bring to the already very successful program, taking it to new heights.”

NM Rapids Technical Director Justin Sells States

“Alex has been a great resource for the club over the last 3-4 years within the Youth Academy program and teams he coaches.  He grew up playing in Rio Rapids and was an elite youth player in his age group.  He is an experienced professional and has great communication and organizational skills.  I’m excited to see what improvements he can bring to our Youth Academy programming.”