María Alvarado '24 Recruiting Profile

I am María Alvarado, an aspiring student-athlete from Nicaragua. Inspired by our famous poet Rubén Darío, “If the homeland is small, one dreams it big,” I dream big for myself and my country.

My journey began in gymnastics, where I learned determination and discipline as a national team member and mentor. At fourteen, I switched to track and field, quickly joining the national team and winning my first U-18 Central American medal in the long jump. This achievement opened the possibility of studying and competing in the United States, not only for my personal growth but to represent Nicaragua with pride on the international stage.

Throughout high school, I balanced academics and athletics, earning top grades and winning national and international debate awards as president of my school's debate club. Athletically, I found my passion in hurdling and am now the U-20 Central American Champion and U-18, U-20, and Senior National Record Holder, known as the "Queen of the Hurdles." At seventeen, I am honored to represent Nicaragua in the U-20 World Athletics Championships in Lima, Peru, on August 29.

My goal is to compete at the collegiate level in the United States, where I can further develop my athletic skills while pursuing a strong academic program.  Despite obstacles, I have shown the character needed to be a successful student-athlete and bring pride to any university. With your support, I am confident that both my flag and your university’s name will shine in upcoming World Championships and the 2028 Olympics, while maintaining strong academics.