'Overcoming Obstacles’: Maple Grove Star Student Athlete

MAPLE GROVE, MN — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from Amy who nominated Alejandro of Maple Grove.

Star student athlete’s name

Alejandro

Star student athlete’s home state

Minnesota

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Maple Grove

How do you know the star student athlete?

He is my son

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Former soccer player now varsity chess player

Why do you believe the star student athlete should be recognized?

Alejandro had played soccer as a goal keeper since he was 7 years old. He was dedicated to the sport and worked hard to grow his craft. Then in 2020 reoccurring neck pain from years of diving onto the ground combined with the pandemic put a stop to his soccer career. It took a lot of time to adjust. Alejandro slowly began to experiment with chess again (he played it competitively in early elementary school). Recently, and thanks to his supportive English teacher who is also the coach of his high school chess team, he began attending practices. He decided to try out for the team and made Varsity. We are so proud of our senior for over coming obstacles and readjusting his plan in order to reconnect with another one of his interests and passions.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star student athlete?

He cares deeply about others and wants to use his future career to support his community.

Keep up the great work, Alejandro!

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know an outstanding student athlete? Nominate them as a Patch Star Student Athlete