BELLA ALVARADO AND EAST STROUDSBURG… NO LONGER UNDERDOGS!

BELLE ALVARADO is the heart and soul of the St. Rose girls basketball team. She represents every thing a player should strive to be. A player that maximizes their talent and relationships with all those around them. A player that overcomes adversity and shines brightly. Belle Alvarado, has always done what others thought was not possible. It’s the reason that East Stroudsburg University was thrilled when see gave them a verbal commitment.

I sat with East Stroudsburg asst coach Bob Dubina one day He asked me a question, he wanted to know my thoughts on Belle Alvarado. I told him, I think she would be a get fit for his program. I told him that Belle Alvarado has always players bigger than her size. I told him that she will help change East Stroudsburg’s culture. Coach Dubina agreed and told me he was going to offer Belle. So he called her and offers her a free education. It was a smart move by Coach Dubina, who is stacking the East Stroudsburg roster with serious talent. Belle Alvarado lacks height but what she does lack is a fire in her belly and a competitive nature. Her refusal to ever quit and play with one of the biggest hearts around jump off the page, when you watch her play. East Stroudsburg University is getting a player that will not only lift her teammates up. But who will do just as much off the court as she does on the court for the entire program. She will become a fan and administrative favorite.

thank you!! https://t.co/8LFuxs4Y5W
— Belle Alvarado (@AlvaradoBelle) February 5, 2024

MAUREEN ALVARDO, is someone who always is positive and fun to be around. She roots for all kids. I have seen her personally save a kids career when there parents where out of control in the stands. It was Maureen, who jumped in to our conversation when a few coaches started complaining to me about the parent and asking whose kid is hers. It was Maureen, who quickly said “she just someone who comes to all the games and doesn’t have a child playing”. You see most people would care less, especially because it’s not their child and on the other team. You see Maureen cares about all kids. Maureen knows all the pressure that comes with chasing a college basketball experience. She worked too many long hours to count at the hoop group as a second job to provide the money for her daughter’s training and school. Maybe it’s the reason her daughter is not just a great kid but also one with an infectious personality. She understands the sacrifices her parents have made for her along the way. Belle Alvarado with her sense of humor and inclusiveness of all kids makes her the angel of girls basketball. She is unselfish and giving always. She my friends is a coaches dream. She has be doubted and forced to get to where she is the old fashion way… SHE HAS HAD TO EARN IT.

When most kids face adversity these days, they often complain and make excuses. When Belle Alvarado was stuck on the bench as a freshman. She did neither, instead she was busy cheering on her teammates. Working hard in practice and then training everyday with her trainer Larry Smith after practice. She surrounded herself with people who believed in her. People like Tracey Sabino and Jen Liggio of the Shoreshots. You see that takes a mentality built on not just toughness but belief in oneself as well. Bella has always believed in herself. It’s why when St. Rose had injuries and she was forced to play in her freshman year. She took full advantage of her moment when it came. She was prepared and was sensational. It was how she proved her worth to her coaches, teammates and fans. She hasn’t stop since that day. Everyone loves watching her box out much taller and heavier girls. They love watching takings charges. No normal human would take. She charges up fans and teammates. Watching her play defense like the Tasmanian devil is motivating to anyone that has played the game or who has been underdog in life. Belle, has been an underdog her entire life. Yet has made those doubters eat their words every step of the way.

Most never thought Bella Alvarado would play at St. Rose. Yet here we are and she is a ALL DEFENSIVE FIRST TEAM MEMBER… nobody thought she could play on the HGSL SHORESHOTS top team. But here we are today and she just topped off a dynamic summer. Nobody thought she ever get a free education and play in one of the best D2 conferences in America. Yet here we are today and that’s exactly what she has done. Belle Alvarado has been proven them wrong every step of the way. She has beaten the odds, lived the dream and she did wih without stepping over dead bodies but rather by uplifting souls.

There are some kids who are so easy to root for. they give you so much blood, sweat and everyone sheds tears, when they move on to their next journey. School will start this week and the underdog will be walking the halls of St. Rose for one more year. Many will believe St. Rose will not have the season they had a year ago. They’ll doubt St. Rose just like they have doubted Belle Alvarado. Well they are making a big mistake. Because as long as Belle is in a uniform, St Rose will play with fire, rage and togetherness. That’s because Belle creates that type atmosphere, wherever she is at. She is the ultimate gym rat and the Pied Piper of St. Rose. They know if they follow her, good things will happen to all. EAST STROUDSBURG will be getting all that and more in 8 months…. Congratulations to BELLE ALVARADO on making a dream come true!