Although he played collegiately at Division III Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, Alvarez comes joins Lubbock Christian all the way from Quito Ecuador, where he grew up. He came stateside for college, earning his bachelor's degree in psychology in from 2008 to 2012 while competing on the Blues' basketball team. He also holds a master's degree in physical activity and sports training from the Universidad Europea del Atlantico in Spain.
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Alvarez was a co-captain of the Whitman squad for the 2011-12 season and played well enough to garner a professional contract in his native Ecuador. He started with Club Importadora of the Ecuadorian National League in 2012, winning the national championship and earning Rookie of the Year honors as well. Â He went on to play for four other professional clubs in both Ecuador and Peru. He won national championships in 2014 and 2017, earned the league's Most Valuable Player award in 2014 and competed as a member of the Ecuadorian National Team from 2013-2018.
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The first foray into coaching for Alvarez came in 2016 when he was still playing for Club Deportivo UTE de Quito. He helped as the assistant coach for the club's youth teams, helping the U18 boys team to a national title and the U16 boys and girls teams both to the final four. Alvarez went on to coach several more youth teams at schools in Ecuador. He also gained experience with the Pro-Am Club Blue Devils of Quito, who posted an 11-5 record with him as coach.
