Meet Calle sponsored player Alex Garcia, a 12 year old baller from Millcreek, UT.

Born and raised in Utah, Alex's roots run deep here. His mother Tanesha is a native to this land, and has instilled her Navajo culture in her children. Alex even speaks a bit of Navajo. And his father Misael, of Mexican heritage, came to Utah when he was 5.

Alex's soccer story started out with him playing goalkeeper. That’s where he first fell in love with the game, alone between the posts. He thrived under that pressure, willing to sacrifice his body when called upon. He became a great little goalie. But over time, it became clear that he didn’t just want to stop goals, he wanted to create them. He wanted to be in on the action.

So he bravely stepped out of the net and onto the pitch as a field player. Anyone who’s ever played knows how hard that transition is from keeper to field player. It’s not just about learning new skills. It’s a rewiring of the game in your mind. But we've learned that Alex isn't one to shy away from a challenge. Growth doesn't scare him- it drives him.

Today, he plays for Utah United Academy as well as local club Utah Real. Due to his versatility, Alex can help on both sides of the ball. Confident to take someone on one on one in the attack, and competent and disciplined in defence to deny someone attacking him.

But where we've been most impressed with Alex has been off the field. Calle mentor Stevie Ewashko challenges all our sponsored players to take 5-10 mins a day and journal. Alex, more than any of our sponsored youngsters, took the challenge to heart. He started writing in it daily. Wins, losses, thoughts, frustrations, breakthroughs—it all goes down on paper.

In speaking with his father, Misael shared, “Before Alex started journaling, losing would crush him. He’d go silent for hours. But thanks to Calle mentor Stevie [Ewashko], journaling taught him to find meaning in both wins and losses. It’s transformed him. It’s helped him find meaning, especially in defeat.”

That kind of reflection is rare. Especially at 12. But that’s who Alex is. Committed not just to the game—but to growth.

He dreams of playing for Real Madrid. Or maybe a club in Mexico, where his father’s roots run deep. But truthfully? The destination feels like a bonus. Because what he’s doing right now, owning his path, one decision at a time, is what this is all about.

When Alex isn't playing soccer, he stays busy playing chess and building with Legos. He’s curious, strategic, creative. The kind of kid who’s not just playing the game—he’s learning strategy and trying what works and what doesn't.

At Calle, we don’t sponsor players because they’re the best on paper. We support them because of what they represent. And Alex? He represents everything we believe in. Courage. Curiosity. Grit. Discipline. A willingness to try something new, even if it’s hard.

So if your kid is out there trying to figure out who they are in this game, share with them the story of Alex. Have them try new positions. Buy them a journal and have them write down how they feel after a game. Remind them that the goal isn’t to copy someone else’s path- it’s to write one that’s completely, beautifully, their own.

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