Westbury High School senior Maria Rodriguez Alvarado was named to Newsday’s list of the top 100 high school girls soccer players on Long Island for the 2026 season.
As a key piece of the Dragons’ defense, Maria faced her third year as team captain and her fourth year as a starter on the main team (“varsity”).
“Maria has saved the team from countless goals and scoring opportunities,” said Alexander Nantsis, head coach of the Westbury High School girls soccer team.
«She is a very talented athlete, but her leadership on and off the field is what really sets her apart. Maria leads by example and sets the tone for the entire team, raising the level of play of her teammates. “She is one of the most determined, responsible, thoughtful and respectful student-athletes I have ever met,” he stressed.
Maria Rodriguez Alvarado is known for her notable soccer intelligence and athletic ability on defense. He earned recognition at the county level (all-county) in the 2025 season and at the conference level (all-conference) in the 2024 and 2023 seasons.
“It has been a privilege to be their coach for the last four years,” said head coach Nantsis. “Maria’s teammates, classmates, teachers and coaches are very proud of her accomplishments.”
It should be noted that off the field, Maria is passionate about the healthcare field and intends to pursue a career as a nurse in the future.
For more information about the Westbury Union Free School District, visit their website at https://www.westburyschools.org/.
You can also like the district page at https://www.facebook.com/OneWestbury and follow the district in https://www.instagram.com/onewestbury/?hl=en .