Rene Alvarez begins his first season as a Graduate Assistant with the North Georgia College & State University men's soccer program.

He is not, however, a stranger to the Saints program, as he became the first athlete at North Georgia to be awarded All-Conference honors by the Peach Belt Conference in 2005.

Over his playing career, Alvarez scored 17 goals and added 14 assists during the 2004 and 2005 seasons. He was second on the team in total points as a junior and led the team in that category as a senior. Over his two-year playing career, Alvarez was named a member of the SSAC All-Academic Team and Second-Team All-Conference as a junior before earning the Peach Belt honors as a senior. He was also named to the Peach Belt Conference All-Tournament team following his team's loss in the semifinals of the tournament. He finished his career as a captain for the Saints, and played for current women's soccer coach Chris Adams during his tenure as the men's coach.

A native of Dahlonega, Alvarez played his prep soccer at nearby Lumpkin County High School.

He is currently pursuing his Master's of Education degree in Secondary Math and Teacher Certification. He earned his USSF D License this past summer.