ST. PAUL, Minn. - The University of Northwestern Athletic Department has added a new, but familiar face to its staff, tabbing former UNW Men's Soccer player Alejandro Alfaro to be its next Assistant Director of Athletic Operations. As part of his role, Alfaro will also continue as an assistant coach on Greg Wheaton's Men's Soccer staff.

The role is a two-year position funded by the NCAA as part of its Pathway to Excellence Grant. As part of the grant, Alfaro, known to many on campus as "Ale," will split his time between coaching and administrative duties. On the administrative side, he will gain experience in all areas of the athletic department, including but not limited to, marketing, facility operations and scheduling, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee advising, and sports information. This is the fourth time UNW has received the grant.

Northwestern Director of Athletics, Dr. Matt Hill, is elated to have Alfaro back in St. Paul. "I am excited to welcome Alejandro back to campus full-time," Hill said. "He was an outstanding soccer player for the Eagles and has recently been an assistant coach for us. Alejandro has many skills that will be utilized in the athletic department to ensure we offer our student athletes an exceptional experience."

Alfaro, who was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection as a student-athlete, as well as a Second Teamer in 2023, shares Hill's excitement. "I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return to my alma mater as the Assistant Director of Athletic Operations and Assistant Coach," the 2025 graduate said. "I am truly excited to be a part of the Christ-centered mission of both the university and athletic department. I want to thank Dr. Matt Hill, Coach Greg Wheaton, and the hiring committee for believing in me and giving me this opportunity and responsibility. Northwestern played a major role in my personal, academic, and athletic growth, and I could not be more excited to come back and serve the community that has meant so much to me."

A 2025 graduate of UNW with a bachelor's degree in Sports Management and a Coaching minor, Alfaro has most recently been employed as an Account Manager for Stimulus Athletic, based out of Minneapolis. In addition to his assistant coaching duties with the Eagles beginning in 2025, the Men's Soccer alum has also served as a soccer coach and trainer with a variety of clubs and associations throughout the Twin Cities, including the Shakopee Soccer Association, Pitz FC and TC Sala Futsal.

Alejandro and his wife, Katie, a UNW Women's Soccer alumna, live in Belle Plaine. He will begin his duties on August 1st.