Suburban Life Male Most Valuable Athlete: Giovanni Alvarez, Morton, soccer, sophomore

WHY HE WAS SELECTED:

Alvarez recorded three goals in a sectional semifinal win over St. Ignatius and scored a goal in the Mustangs' sectional final win over Hinsdale Central.

Alvarez talked about his big week, the season and more with Suburban Life sports editor Joshua Welge. Here is an edited version of the transcript.

Welge: Have you ever had a hat trick before?

Alvarez: I had one with my club team, but that was the first one for high school varsity. I think I had four in a game for the sophomore team last year. I think I have about seven or eight goals this season now.

Welge: How did you do it?

Alvarez: I just focused on the game. I knew what we were going for and the goals just came. The third one of the hat trick was great. We all worked together as a team on it. It came back from our defense, Edwin Zizumbo gave me a good ball, I took a couple of dribbles and shot it. It was a nice shot underneath the crossbar.

Welge: Edwin has had a pretty great year. How do you play off him?

Alvarez: Starting off the season I didn't have a starting position. I knew him way before throughout the years playing soccer – me and him always had some type of chemistry. He is a fantastic player to play with.

Welge: What was your role going into the year?

Alvarez: My goal was to play in as many games as I could. The first couple of games I couldn't play because I had surgery. I came back and I told myself I had to come back stronger and better.

Welge: When did you start playing soccer?

Alvarez: I got started when I was 3 years old. My uncle, he got me into it and I just kept going with it. My family was there for me and encouraging me to keep going. My uncle loves the game. He taught me a lot when I was little. I play all year round. My last club team I've played for, we went to nationals and got second place.