Player Info

From: Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
Born: August 6, 1973
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 165 lbs
Where you live now: Spring Valley Lake, California
Coach: Naty Alvarado and Al Moore
Sparring partner(s) at home: John Bike, Chris Watkins, Mark Shelgren, John Robles, Vic Perez, Paul Godina, Marcos Chavez, Carlos Chavez, Armando Ortiz, Greg Ramirez, and all the LAAC boys.
Most important win in a tournament and most satisfying win in a tournament: The next match after a win or a loss. They never stand out, but become a footnote to the past and I internally move onto the future. I guess I am blocking out all wins and losses on the same level these days. Perhaps avoiding satisfaction or complacency.
Best tournament ever won:  Hasn’t happened yet
How long have you been playing: 25 years, started at age 15, one my first National Open Doubles title with David Chapman at 18.
What do you do for work: Mortgage Loan Officer for First Mortgage Corporation
What are your goals in handball going forward: Being apart of what the WPH is giving our present and future players
What are your goals for New York and the R48 season: Winning but having fun while doing it
Favorite handball tournament: Simple Green US Open, Anything attached to the Jake THE SNAKE  Plummer Foundation, Hood River Open held every August in Hood River, Oregon.
How will you prepare for the next one: Taking care of the body and getting more court time. Work schedule is making those two needed combinations lacking the right amount of time to complete properly.
What do you love about handball: The fitness requirements to play at any level keep me committed to good health habits. The players and fan base are unique and very supportive
Favorite pro player:  El Gato….
How would you describe your game: Very aggressive
What is your best shot: Depends on the day, but the serve stands out the most.
Given the choice, what top R48 would you most like to play: All of them…
Who has inspired you to play this game at such a high level: My Father, Naty Alvarado Sr.
Who do you think is the best player of all time: Naty Alvarado Sr.. EL GATO
Which current Race 4 Eight or top pro would you most like to play? Everyone is worth playing, I have no particular requests on this subject.

Naty Alvarado continues to defy Father Time in his 4^th decade. Alvarado had never lost before the semifinals in any Race start during the R48 I and II seasons before falling to Southern California rival Mando Ortiz at R48 III Stop #1 Plummer. Alvarado rebounded by advancing to the finals of the next event, the R48 III Stop #2 Simple Green U.S. Open. Alvarado carries himself and trains like a professional athlete while raising three beautiful daughters with his lovely wife Kerrie and working full time as a mortgage loan officer. Alvarado will be seeking his third consecutive Player’s Championship appearance in Salt Lake City. Alvarado has wins over every player in the top 10 and in his 41^st year is always a threat in every match against any player.

2011/12 Race Record:

R48 I #1 Plummer ’11: 2^nd place: Finals loss (Moreno)

R48 I #2 U.S. Open ’11: 4^th place: Semifinals loss (McCarthy)

R48 I #3 Tucson ‘11: Tied 3^rd place: Semifinals loss (Moreno)

R48 I #4 Fresno ’12: 2^nd place: Finals loss (Lenning)

R48 I #5: Atlanta ’12: 2^nd place: Finals loss (Moreno)

R48 I # 6: Salt Lake City ’12: Tied 3^rd place: Semifinals loss (Moreno)

R48 I #7: LAAC: Tied 3^rd place: Semifinals loss (Lenning)

R48 I #8: TPC Seattle: 3^rd place: Semifinals loss (Lenning)

2012/13 Race Record:

R48 II #1 U.S. Open ’12: Did not start

R48 II #2 Tucson ’12: Did not start

R48 II #3 Houston ’13: 2^nd place: Finals loss (Shanks)

R48 II #4 Alaska ’13: Tied 3^rd place: Semifinals loss (Lenning)

R48 II #5 Denver ’13: Did not start

R48 II #6 Salt Lake City ’13: Did not start

R48 II #7 TPC Seattle ’13: 4th place

2013/14 Race Record:

R48 III #1 Plummer ’13: 9th Place:  Rd of 16 Loss (Ortiz)

R48 III #2 US Open ’13: 2nd Place:  Finals Loss (Moreno)

R48III #3 Houston ’14: T11th:  Rd of 16 Loss (Chavez)

R48PRO FEATURE-

Naty Alvarado Jr. has proudly, humbly and honorably carried on the Alvarado handball legacy for over 20 years. Alvarado has been one of the most consistent and best handball players on the planet since the early 1990’s, reaching number one on the USHA Spalding/Gatorade Pro Tour in 2000 and ascending to number two on the WPH Race 4 Eight Tour in 2012.

Alvarado is a credit to the sport, always carrying himself with class, dignity and impeccable sportsmanship. Naty always places his wife, three beautiful daughters and family first but has always allocated time to condition his body and mind for the rigors of professional handball. Naty’s dedication and discipline to fitness, healthy eating and devotion to his craft has enabled “El Tigre” to stay in the top five on the pro handball rankings for most of the last 20 years.  Read more, HERE>