Miguel Alvarez-Hevia: A current player at FSC

Tonight is the first piece on the players that have played for me or are currently playing for me. I have tried to put them in alphabetical order so there is no misperceived order of importance. They have all been important in their own ways. I’ve been coaching at Florida Southern for ten years now and it has been a journey of many laughs, a few tears, and much sweat. There have been superstars, role players, semi-coaching players, under performers, and most importantly great guys who continue to leave amazing memories in my mind.

The first player to get the personal treatment will be Miguel Alvarez-Hevia. Miguel is currently a junior at FSC and was a transfer after his freshman year from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He is from Spain and is very proud of that fact. Anytime you talk with Miguel he will tell you in no uncertain terms that it is the best country with the best of everything. I love that he has such passion for his homeland and never take offense because he has a disarming smile when he speaks. He basically has a zoo at his house in Spain with so many different animals that I cannot name them all here. His passion for tennis is apparent and don’t try to stump him when it comes to ATP or WTA players because he knows most of them and may even be able to rattle off some stats. He knows who has won each tournament this year and who is doing what in the world of fuzzy yellow balls.

Miguel is a solid player and for the two years he has been at FSC has been a starter in the doubles and singles line-up. He loves the net, I know that is weird for a Spaniard, and has a penetrating backhand. The oddity of his game, besides liking the net, is his weird delivery on his forehand. It is unique to say the least but he has mastered how to stay in points and create opportunities even though opponents often try to attack it. He has a heart that must come from a fighter and a passion to continually improve that makes coaching him easy and hard. The easy part is that I never have to worry about him putting in the work or doing the drills to the letter. The hard part is getting him to realize that resting periodically is also part of the training process.

Teams are each unique and this one works without true captains. Last season, Miguel was somewhat of a pain in the ass prima donna in a good way but didn’t show the leadership characteristics necessary to be a leader. Flash forward to this year and Miguel is now a vocal leader on the team. His demands are reasonable and he leads by example. His meticulous attention to the details of his game make me be more aware of what is necessary to help him. He has no problem pushing me or even disagreeing with me when he doesn’t like something. It is nice to have a player stick to his guns. This year though, he will actually listen to my reasoning and has even conceded a time or three. I appreciate him for the talent he has and the effort he puts forth daily to be the best he can be while playing collegiate tennis.

Lastly, he is an amazing student. This sentiment will be shared multiple times throughout the player profiles but it always amazes me when someone from another land who had to learn a different language can come over and do better than a natural born citizen. His work ethic in the classroom matches that of his court work. He is a funny guy and I am really proud of him for trying new things. “Hey Miguel, how was the sushi and your salad?” He will understand.