In the bustling city of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, where soccer is more than just a sport but a way of life, Jose Gabriel Alonzo Garcia has emerged as a beacon of talent and determination. As a Centerback for both his high school team, Academia Los Pinares, and the third-division club team, Academia Centroamerica Oeste, Jose’s journey in soccer has been one of relentless dedication, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His recent recognition on the EXACT 11 Watchlist at the EXACT Sports Southwest Boys Academic 50 ID Soccer Camp in Dallas, Texas, is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and the bright future that lies ahead.

Early Beginnings: A Passion for Soccer
Born on January 3rd, 2007, in Tegucigalpa, Jose’s love for soccer began at a very young age. Growing up in Honduras, a country where soccer is deeply ingrained in the culture, Jose was naturally drawn to the sport. From the moment he first kicked a ball, he knew that soccer was more than just a game—it was a calling.

“I’ve played soccer since a very young age,” Jose reflects. “It has brought me a lot of happiness and joy.”

However, Jose also understands that soccer, like life, is full of ups and downs. The sport has taught him invaluable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and the importance of getting back up after being knocked down. These lessons have not only shaped him as a player but also as a person.

“But the thing that marked me most,” he continues, “is that no matter how hard you get hit, the outcome to your event is determined by how hard you get up and hit harder.”

Academic Excellence: Balancing Books and Ball
While soccer is Jose’s passion, he is equally committed to his academic pursuits. With a 3.6 GPA and a slew of academic accolades, including High Honors, Academic Excellence awards, and Honor Roll distinctions, Jose is a shining example of a student-athlete who excels both on the field and in the classroom. His dedication to his studies is evident in his desire to pursue a degree in Computer Science while playing college soccer.

“My College Aspiration is to have the opportunity to study and obtain an undergraduate degree and simultaneously play college soccer,” Jose shares. “I want to attend a school where I can push myself on and off the field to make a future out of myself.”

For Jose, education is not just a backup plan but a crucial component of his long-term goals. He dreams of attending prestigious institutions such as the University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas Baptist University, Duke University, and Caltech, where he can challenge himself academically while continuing to develop as a soccer player.

On the Field: A Leader and a Competitor
Jose’s impact on the field is undeniable. As a Centerback, he is the anchor of his team’s defense, using his intelligence, physicality, and leadership skills to command the backline. His ability to read the game, make crucial tackles, and organize his teammates has earned him numerous accolades, including Defensive Player of the Tournament, State Champions, Conference Champions, and the Exact Sports Team Leadership Award.

But perhaps most impressive is Jose’s mental toughness—a quality that sets him apart as a true leader on the pitch. His coaches and teammates alike recognize his ability to stay composed under pressure, make smart decisions, and lead by example.

“Alonzo is an intelligent player, with great physical attributes which help him on the pitch,” says one of his coaches. “He has sensational leadership skills as well as mental toughness which translates on his performance.”

EXACT 11 Watchlist: A Recognition of Talent and Potential
Being named to the EXACT 11 Watchlist is a significant achievement for any young athlete, and for Jose, it is a recognition of his exceptional talent and potential. The EXACT 11 Watchlist is reserved for the top athletes who attend EXACT Sports ID Camps, highlighting those who have demonstrated outstanding skills, leadership, and the potential to excel at the collegiate level.

At the Southwest Boys Academic 50 ID Soccer Camp in Dallas, Texas, Jose’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. His ability to shut down opposing attackers, his composure on the ball, and his leadership qualities all caught the attention of coaches and scouts. Whether it was making a crucial interception, winning aerial duels, or organizing his teammates, Jose’s presence on the field was felt by everyone.

This recognition is not just about his current abilities but also about his potential to grow and develop into an even better player in the future. For Jose, being named to the EXACT 11 Watchlist is a stepping stone towards achieving his dreams of playing college soccer and beyond.

A Christian Athlete: Playing for a Higher Purpose
For Jose, soccer is not just a sport—it is a way to honor God and make his family proud. As a Christian athlete, he plays with a higher purpose, always striving to glorify God through his actions on and off the field.

“As a Christian athlete who first and foremost plays for God, I love putting his name up high and making my family proud with my hard work on and off the pitch,” Jose explains.

This sense of purpose drives Jose to give his all in every game, every practice, and every challenge he faces. It is what motivates him to push through the tough times, to keep improving, and to never settle for anything less than his best.

The Road Ahead: Dreams of Collegiate Soccer and Beyond
As Jose looks to the future, his aspirations are clear. He dreams of playing soccer at the collegiate level, where he can continue to develop as a player while pursuing his academic goals. He hopes to find a school that offers both high-level competition and a strong academic program, where he can make a positive impact both on the field and in the classroom.

“I will make the most of it to make my parents proud and become someone that can contribute to the school and their goals with God’s help,” Jose says with determination.

With his talent, work ethic, and leadership qualities, there is no doubt that Jose Gabriel Alonzo Garcia has a bright future ahead of him. Whether it is in soccer, academics, or life, Jose is poised to achieve great things and inspire others along the way.

Conclusion: An Inspiration to Aspiring Athletes
Jose’s journey from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, to the EXACT 11 Watchlist is a story of passion, resilience, and a deep love for soccer. His dedication to his sport, his commitment to his education, and his unwavering faith are all qualities that make him an inspiration to young athletes everywhere.

As he continues to pursue his dreams, Jose remains grounded, focused, and determined to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way. His story is a reminder that with hard work, perseverance, and faith, anything is possible. And as he steps onto the field, whether in Honduras, Texas, or beyond, Jose Gabriel Alonzo Garcia will continue to shine as a leader, a competitor, and a true ambassador of the beautiful game.