IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine's goalkeeping depth earns a boost delivering Northern California talent, Alex Waldron.

"UC Irvine was the obvious choice for school," the 6'3" keeper proclaimed. "The soccer program was a big focus for its high rankings, not only in NCAA polls, but in the qualities it takes to be a successful team."

Waldron is a product of the club system spending the last three years with San Juan Soccer Academy earning the captain's crest this last season. He's made a mark in the Premier Developmental Pool and Olympic Developmental Pool State team Region 6.

"With the head coach as the goalkeeper trainer, I knew I could receive the best attention for my gameplay."

Head Coach Chris Volk weighed in, "Alex is a physically gifted goalkeeper. He has been trained by one of the top goalkeeper coaches in the country, Matt McDougall, and possesses sound technical skills and reads the game well."

Waldron attends Bella Vista High School spending just his freshman season on the soccer team there helping them to a 4-1 upset victory on penalty kicks to take the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II Championship and subsequently was named all-conference.

He has also walked the right path off the pitch with a 3.51 GPA and Key Club President status. He makes saves all over the place doubling as a tutor and volunteer at local food banks.

"Irvine offers the best fit academically. It offers so much with the variety of majors and sublime location. I can't wait for the entire experience to start. I expect to be active and continually doing things to keep myself busy."

"He will have the opportunity to grow and compete through training every day. Alex has the ability to be a top-level goalkeeper in the Big West Conference during his career at UC Irvine."

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