Midland-Odessa Sockers FC’s Alex VonHolle Achieves On and Off the Pitch
By Daniel Cermak/NPSL.com
Former Midland-Odessa Sockers FC midfielder Alex VonHolle was named an Academic All-American for the second straight season by CoSIDA.
“It was an honor to be recognized as one of the best in the country in terms of grades,” VonHolle said. “I take great pride in receiving that honor and doing well off the field as well as on it.”
VonHolle’s selection to the Academic All-American second team in 2019 set a major milestone in school history. A senior at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, VonHolle became the first athlete in school history to be named an Academic All-American twice in their career. Additionally, he became just the third soccer player to receive the honor at UCCS, and was one of just six repeat winners throughout the country.
During his time in college, VonHolle also spent time with Midland-Odessa Sockers FC in 2017, where they made a run to the NPSL National Championship. During this season, VonHolle led the team with 16 matches played, eight of which were starts. In addition to being a reliable piece to his team’s success, VonHolle was named to the NPSL South Region Best XI and second team All-NPSL. Overall, the experience was extremely valuable to VonHolle to prepare for his college season.
“Playing in the NPSL over the summer gave me an advantage and ability to keep up with my fitness,” VonHolle said. “I’ll have memories from that I will always remember.”
One of the brightest moments for VonHolle was travelling to Detroit City FC and advancing to the national title game in front of a massive crowd.
“It was an amazing experience, I don’t know if I will ever have another experience like that in my life,” VonHolle said. “It was a fun run, something I look back on fondly, and it was great to play under Matt Barnes and my teammates.”
In addition to his talents in the classroom while at UCCS, VonHolle shined on the field as well. In 2019 the midfielder was named to the D2CCA All-America Third Team, D2CCA All-Region SecondTeam, and United Soccer Coaches All Region Second Team. He was also a second team D2CCA All-American in 2018. VonHolle also led his conference in assists with 10 and tied for the lead in goals with 10. He leaves the UCCS program as the all-time leader in assists, second all-time in total points, and fourth in goals. Though his time at UCCS is over, VonHolle is proud of his time there and is proud to have made an impact on the program.
“I really enjoyed my time there, we didn’t have the best year, but it’s fun to see the program growing and getting better,” VonHolle said.
UCCS Head Coach Brian Miller is extremely proud of VonHolle’s impact on the team.
“Alex was a vital part of our success on and off the field over the past two years which was seen in his accolades as well as the programs accomplishments,” Miller said. “His leadership allowed his fellow teammates to push themselves to new heights in soccer as well as in the classroom. I am confident that Alex will find success in his future career be it on the field or not.”
In terms of his future, VonHolle is pursuing a career as a professional while open to a number of paths for his future. He currently has a trial opportunity coming up in January and is looking forward to the opportunity.
“I am keeping my options open,” VonHolle said. “I am a little nervous (for the trial) but it’s the next step, I know it will take a lot of work, but I’m ready to work towards the next level.”
With his success on and off of the pitch, VonHolle will succeed regardless of where his career takes him.
Photo Credit: Mark Nicholas, M-O Sockers FC and Isaiah Downing
