Juan Alcivar

Juan Alcivar is Volleyball Coach at Bear's Volleyball Club.

Coach Juan Alcivar's life is a remarkable journey of resilience, transformation, and a deep love for volleyball. Born in the Dominican Republic, he relocated to New York, where his passion for the sport ignited during his high school years. He honed his skills in club volleyball, learning the intricacies of the game and instilling a strong work ethic.

In 2005, driven by a sense of duty and a commitment to something greater, Juan joined the U.S. Army. His path led him to Iraq in 2007, where he faced a life-altering moment, sustaining a gunshot wound to his leg during a mission. This injury necessitated immediate medical attention, and he was transported to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for extensive treatment and rehabilitation.

Juan's recovery journey was marked by unwavering determination. Over eight years, he underwent rigorous medical treatment and rehabilitation at Walter Reed, supported by his medical team and fellow soldiers. His indomitable spirit drove him to regain mobility and strength.

Unable to return to active duty due to his injury, Juan found a new calling in coaching. His profound understanding of volleyball and his passion for mentorship led him to embark on a coaching career. He began at Bohar Park in Maryland, shaping young athletes and sharing his love for the sport.

At Northwestern High School in Maryland, Juan's coaching prowess was put to the test. Despite significant challenges, he transformed the team from a 1-14 record to an impressive 9-7, with a semi-final appearance, marking the best run the high school had ever seen.

His coaching journey continued at St. Andrews in Potomac, Maryland, from 2020 to 2022. Here, he tirelessly worked to elevate the program, focusing on player development, strategic thinking, and fostering a culture of excellence.

Juan's commitment to diversity and inclusion in volleyball earned him the prestigious 2019 AVCA Diversity Award for the Chesapeake Region. His efforts to create an inclusive environment within the sport were celebrated regionally.

Today, Coach Juan Alcivar continues to impact the volleyball community as he coaches at Covent Life. His journey, spanning from the Dominican Republic to New York, military service, and his coaching career, exemplifies resilience, transformation, and an unwavering passion for the sport. His story stands as an inspiration to all, a testament to the power of determination, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

During his coaching tenure at MVSA from 2016 to 2023, Coach Juan Alcivar showcased remarkable dedication and expertise that left an indelible mark on the program. He undertook the challenging task of coaching both the 16-3 and 13-3 teams, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability as a coach. His leadership propelled both teams to impressive success, earning them recognition as top-tier third teams in the highly competitive Chesapeake Region.

Coach Juan's coaching philosophy prioritized player development beyond mere wins and losses. He instilled values like character-building, teamwork, and a strong work ethic in his players, resonating not only with the athletes but also with their parents. His commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, rooted in discipline and continuous improvement, became a defining aspect of his coaching style.

Under his guidance, his teams consistently ranked among the top third teams in the region, a testament to his coaching acumen and effective mentorship. Coach Juan's legacy extended beyond the volleyball court, as many of his players continued to excel in the sport at various levels.

His unwavering dedication to coaching and player development remains unchanged, and his journey, from a love for volleyball to a successful coaching career, exemplifies his passion and commitment to shaping the next generation of athletes. Coach Juan Alcivar's story continues to inspire and remind aspiring athletes of the transformative power of dedication and mentorship in sports.

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