Senior Spotlight on Jose Alcazar
3/23/2020 10:30:00 AM | Men's Tennis
LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - The Millersville men's tennis team was preparing for a potentially historic spring season.
Ranked for the first time in the Atlantic Region under head coach Matt Helsel, the Marauders were undefeated as a team (5-0) and on track to finish with a record above .500 for the first time since the 2008-09 season (11-9). Although a majority of the roster will return for the 2020-21 season, one player will not get the opportunity to see through Millersville's rebuild.
Senior Jose Alcazar is set to graduate in the spring with a business administration degree.
Alcazar played a crucial role in the turnaround of the Millersville men's tennis program. He originally started his collegiate tennis career at Brescia University before transferring to the 'Ville for the 2017-18 season as a sophomore.
Alcazar, originally from Malaga, Spain, was also the first international student to transfer into the men's program under Helsel. He was the lone international student-athlete on the Millersville roster in 2017-18. Now, five of Millersville's nine players are international student-athletes; Alcazar, Carlos Martinez-Lucas (Spain), Santiago Ramos (Argentina), Rodrigo Lorencin (Brazil) and Tony Yen (Taiwan).
It ushered in a new era for Millersville's tennis program.
"When I arrived here three-and-a-half years ago, our teams had no diversity in terms of race or nationality, and now we have quite a bit," Helsel said. "It has completely changed the culture of our team in a positive way and seeing how they all lean on and support each other has been incredible to watch. I don't think it is a coincidence that the increase in diversity has coincided with an increase in team chemistry, and in turn, with on-court success."
Alcazar caught Helsel's eye not only because he was a strong player, but also a strong student. The head coach believed Alcazar could contribute right away, and he was correct.
Alcazar played in the flight No. 2 and No. 3 spots in singles action and flight No. 1 and No. 2 spots in doubles throughout his first season at Millersville, securing four total victories.
It was a grind of a season for both Alcazar and the Marauders, who finished the year 2-14 overall and 1-4 in conference play. But the struggle brought out the best in Alcazar.
"You know what you are going to get with him and that is invaluable to me and the team," Helsel said. "You are always going to get maximum effort, long rallies, consistent play and a steady mindset. It helps calm the mood of players around him and allows them to settle into their match knowing that he'll be out there for a while, battling for every point."
Alcazar's personality on the court is identical to it off, Helsel said. He's consistent in his words and actions. Alcazar, affectionately nicknamed "Pepe", might not speak up often but when he does, his words carry meaning.
"His quiet style of leadership isn't flashy, but it's very powerful. When Jose speaks, people listen," Helsel said. "Pepe is loved by his teammates and he does whatever is asked of him. He's a great role model in the classroom and his work ethic on and off the court is unquestioned."
Alcazar's consistency paid off on the court. As a junior, he won 10 total matches. In the 2019-20 fall season, he won all five of his singles matches and seven of eight doubles matches.
Despite having family in Spain, Alcazar has remained at Millersville as much of the world continues to practice social distancing during the spread of COVID-19. Following graduation, Alcazar will look to secure a job in the United States, Helsel said.
Although his tennis career has come to a premature end, Alcazar is just beginning the next phase of what Helsel knows will be a successful career.
"The sky is the limit for what he can do, and I'm excited to see where his journey leads," he said.
Ranked for the first time in the Atlantic Region under head coach Matt Helsel, the Marauders were undefeated as a team (5-0) and on track to finish with a record above .500 for the first time since the 2008-09 season (11-9). Although a majority of the roster will return for the 2020-21 season, one player will not get the opportunity to see through Millersville's rebuild.
Senior Jose Alcazar is set to graduate in the spring with a business administration degree.
Alcazar played a crucial role in the turnaround of the Millersville men's tennis program. He originally started his collegiate tennis career at Brescia University before transferring to the 'Ville for the 2017-18 season as a sophomore.
Alcazar, originally from Malaga, Spain, was also the first international student to transfer into the men's program under Helsel. He was the lone international student-athlete on the Millersville roster in 2017-18. Now, five of Millersville's nine players are international student-athletes; Alcazar, Carlos Martinez-Lucas (Spain), Santiago Ramos (Argentina), Rodrigo Lorencin (Brazil) and Tony Yen (Taiwan).
It ushered in a new era for Millersville's tennis program.
"When I arrived here three-and-a-half years ago, our teams had no diversity in terms of race or nationality, and now we have quite a bit," Helsel said. "It has completely changed the culture of our team in a positive way and seeing how they all lean on and support each other has been incredible to watch. I don't think it is a coincidence that the increase in diversity has coincided with an increase in team chemistry, and in turn, with on-court success."
Alcazar caught Helsel's eye not only because he was a strong player, but also a strong student. The head coach believed Alcazar could contribute right away, and he was correct.
Alcazar played in the flight No. 2 and No. 3 spots in singles action and flight No. 1 and No. 2 spots in doubles throughout his first season at Millersville, securing four total victories.
It was a grind of a season for both Alcazar and the Marauders, who finished the year 2-14 overall and 1-4 in conference play. But the struggle brought out the best in Alcazar.
"You know what you are going to get with him and that is invaluable to me and the team," Helsel said. "You are always going to get maximum effort, long rallies, consistent play and a steady mindset. It helps calm the mood of players around him and allows them to settle into their match knowing that he'll be out there for a while, battling for every point."
Alcazar's personality on the court is identical to it off, Helsel said. He's consistent in his words and actions. Alcazar, affectionately nicknamed "Pepe", might not speak up often but when he does, his words carry meaning.
"His quiet style of leadership isn't flashy, but it's very powerful. When Jose speaks, people listen," Helsel said. "Pepe is loved by his teammates and he does whatever is asked of him. He's a great role model in the classroom and his work ethic on and off the court is unquestioned."
Alcazar's consistency paid off on the court. As a junior, he won 10 total matches. In the 2019-20 fall season, he won all five of his singles matches and seven of eight doubles matches.
Despite having family in Spain, Alcazar has remained at Millersville as much of the world continues to practice social distancing during the spread of COVID-19. Following graduation, Alcazar will look to secure a job in the United States, Helsel said.
Although his tennis career has come to a premature end, Alcazar is just beginning the next phase of what Helsel knows will be a successful career.
"The sky is the limit for what he can do, and I'm excited to see where his journey leads," he said.
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Tennis
/ Men's Tennis
/ Men's Tennis
/ Men's Tennis
/ Men's Tennis
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Matt Helsel
Thursday, August 24
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Thursday, October 17
