Gera Alvarez returned to the UTEP Soccer program as Goalkeeper Coach for the 2025 season, stepping in for his longtime mentor, Goalkeeper Coach Obed Hernandez, who is currently out due to injury. Alvarez brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of developing elite-level goalkeepers. This marks his second stint with the Miners, having previously served in the same role during the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
During his first tenure, Alvarez coached standout goalkeeper Alyssa Palacios, who currently holds multiple UTEP career records, including the top spot in shutouts, second in saves and third in wins. He also mentored Caley Leask, who ranks No. 2 in program history with a goals-against average of 0.79.
Prior to his work at UTEP, Alvarez was instrumental in the development of El Paso native Rhiannon Conelley. Under his guidance and mentorship, Conelley was invited to multiple U.S. Soccer National ID Training Centers and competed at the highest youth levels with ECNL clubs Sereno FC and Las Vegas Premier. His coaching and unwavering support helped her secure a rare four-year, full-ride scholarship—an uncommon achievement in collegiate athletics. Conelley went on to become the all-time leader in goalkeeper wins, ranked No. in shutouts, and No. 3 in most saves at the University of North Florida.
Alvarez is currently a doctoral candidate at Texas Tech University, where his research focuses on inequitable access to athletic scholarships for Mexican-American student-athletes at Hispanic-Serving Institutions. He is set to defend his dissertation in December 2025.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Alvarez holds multiple U.S. Soccer Federation coaching licenses and the Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma from United Soccer Coaches. A former collegiate goalkeeper himself at West Texas A&M University, he also competed as a member of the reserve squad for the professional soccer club Atlante FC, based in Cancún, Mexico, at the time.
Alvarez earned his BBA and MBA in health care management from West Texas A&M University.
