Q&A with Alex Provost: A College-Bound Athlete’s Journey

Q: Alex, can you tell us a bit about your background, where you grew up, and your experience at MKA? Did you participate in any other sports or activities growing up?

Alex Provost: I grew up in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, and attended school here until my freshman year, after which I transferred to MKA. Soccer has been my main focus for most of my life. Although I enjoyed other sports like basketball and baseball, soccer took priority because it's a year-round commitment. The schedule made it hard to balance those other sports, but I don't regret focusing on soccer. At MKA, I’ve been playing soccer for three years; I didn’t play my freshman year due to club restrictions, but I made the decision to forgo my fall season for high school soccer in order to be out there with my friends. I’ve been playing club soccer since I was around eight years old and have moved through various levels, eventually joining a higher-tier club. I’ve really enjoyed the experience and I'm excited to continue playing at the college level.

Q: You’ve been juggling both academics and athletics at a competitive school. How do you handle stress and stay focused under pressure?

Alex Provost: Balancing academics and soccer can definitely be tough. I wish I had learned better time management earlier in high school, as it’s something I still struggle with. There have been a lot of late nights and overwhelming moments. But one thing that's helped is asking for help. I realized that it’s not a sign of weakness but rather a strength to reach out to others for support. This year, I’ve been working closely with my soccer coach, who’s also our school counselor, and my math teacher to figure out ways to manage everything. Sometimes, you need to be vulnerable and open up to others to learn and grow. As for motivation, I rely a lot on self-motivation. I love soccer, I love the training, and I enjoy the process of improving myself both as a player and as a person.

Q: That’s a great point about vulnerability. It’s not always seen as the norm, especially in male sports. How do you approach being vulnerable with your coaches or mentors, and what advice would you have for younger athletes who might be hesitant to open up?

Alex Provost: Vulnerability is really important for growth. When you’re open about your weaknesses and mistakes, it’s when you learn the most. In soccer, I might make a mistake, and instead of getting frustrated or tuning out my coach, I try to listen and learn. My goalkeeper coach often has to correct me, and it's important to hear him out and adjust. For younger athletes, my advice is to not be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s a coach, a counselor, or a teacher, there are people around you who want to help. You have to allow yourself to be vulnerable because it’s in those moments that you can grow the most. In sports, especially in male athletics, it's not always easy to show vulnerability, but doing so will make you better in the long run.

Q: Staying focused is crucial, especially when juggling school and sports. How do you keep yourself locked in before a game, or even when you're working on homework or in class?

Alex Provost: Before a game, I try to calm myself down and keep my mind positive. As a goalkeeper, I can’t afford to let one mistake spiral into a bigger problem. If I make an error, I have to forget it and stay focused on the next play. I find that keeping a positive mindset is the most important part of staying locked in. If I’m stressed about something, I try not to dwell on it and focus on the task at hand. It’s the same with schoolwork. I try to stay grounded, get my assignments done early if I can, and take breaks to clear my mind when I need to.

Q: Finally, what advice would you give to younger athletes, maybe in middle school or early high school, who are trying to navigate their path in sports and academics?

Alex Provost: My advice is to stay vigilant and control what you can control. There will be moments in your life when things are out of your hands—like when you’re not starting on the team or when things aren’t going your way. But you have to keep your head up and trust that your time will come. Don’t let those moments discourage you. Keep working hard and focus on getting better every day. Also, don’t let sports consume your life. Mental health should always come first, and if sports are stressing you out too much, take a step back. It’s about finding balance. If you’re not mentally well, it will affect your performance on the field. So, make sure you take care of yourself and remember that your attitude toward yourself will shape your success.

Q: Thank you for sharing that, Alex. Your story and insights are truly inspiring. We wish you all the best at Dennis University!

Alex Provost: Thank you for having me! I appreciate the opportunity to share my journey, and I’m excited for what’s next.

Alex Provost’s journey to becoming a college-bound athlete is a testament to hard work, self-motivation, and the importance of mental health. His ability to stay focused, seek help when needed, and remain positive in the face of challenges makes him a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere.