Fresno State Athletics
Alires Continues To Make An Impact At Fresno State
7/21/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
July 21, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - After the 2007 soccer season wrapped up in November, Andrea Alires hung up her cleats, but was not ready to say good bye to the Bulldog family. Alires played for Fresno State for four years as a defender. Last season she was a crucial part of a defense that had 10 shutout games. She was a member of the squad that won the WAC championship in 2005. After accomplishing many tasks on the field, Alires still has one goal to finish, school.
While tackling the work of a full-time student, Alires also competed in 79 games, 70 of which she started. Over her four year career Alires had 33 shots and 18 shots on goals. Even as a defender Alires managed to score three goals and have nine assists.
"Andrea was such an important player for our program the last four years. What made Andrea stand out was her unmatched work-ethic and her desire to succeed both on the field and in the classroom," said Head Coach Steve Springthorpe. "She was an important leader on the team. With all those qualities just mentioned there is no doubt that `Dre will have success in whatever field she decides to make her professional career in."
Alires will wrap up her degree this fall and start earning her master's degree in sports administration. Although her soccer days are over, Alires is still very much a part of the Bulldog family shifting from the role of student-athlete to graduate assistant with the Fresno State athletic development office.
Because of her time spent as a student-athlete, Alires felt the switch was easy. She was familiar with the department, athletics, and its staff. Alires wants to play an important role at helping get past, present, and future Bulldog athletes involved.
"The adjustment from athlete to graduate assistant was not difficult," said Alires. "They are alike except now instead of going to practice and school I have to go to work and school."
Alires is in charge of Varsity Red, an alumni group specifically for former student-athletes. Varsity Red is a way for former student-athletes to get involved in Fresno State after their eligibility is over.
"The best part about my job is that I actually enjoy coming to work everyday," said Alires. "I get to help the place that gave me the opportunity to play."
Varsity Red is in its first year of existence. Alires, with the help of her mentors within the Development office, are starting the program from scratch. After finishing a business marketing degree, this project allows Alires to be creative in getting alumni involved.
Student-athletes have a lot on their plate, whether it is school, practice, or workouts. Alires has learned to juggle more than a soccer ball and being a student-athlete has helped prepare her for a profession in athletics.
"During the soccer season you have to be able to juggle multiple tasks and stay organized," said Alires. "That carries over to work because I have to be organized and handle multiple tasks."
After the completion of her graduate work with the development office, Alires wants to pursue a career in athletic directing at the collegiate level or venture into working for a professional sports organization.
"Join the State-Fresno State!" Bulldog Soccer opens the 2008 season with an exhibition match against cross-town rival Fresno Pacific on Saturday, August 16th at 7:00 pm in Bulldog Stadium. Be sure to purchase your Family and Friends Flex Pack which includes 40 general admission tickets (4 for each home game) to be used as you please for $89 by logging on to www.gobulldogs.com and visiting the tickets page, calling the Bulldog Ticket Office at (559) 278-DOGS, or stopping by the Bulldog Ticket Office.
