Javier Alejo will lead the Gavilan Women’s Soccer Program
by on Feb 21, 2023Gavilan College Interim Director of Athletics, Jamie Adams, has announced the hiring of two former Rams student-athletes to spearhead the return of Gavilan Men’s and Women’s Soccer. "We are very excited to announce the return of not only our soccer programs but also two products of those programs as our new head coaches. Josue Salgado will take the helm as the new Men’s Soccer Head Coach and Javier Alejo will take the lead of the Women’s Soccer program. I know these are the right people to bring excellence back to the pitch here in Gilroy," said Adams. "Josue and Javier have what it takes to rejuvenate the dormant programs and put Gavilan Soccer back on the map competitively.”
Gavilan's Superintendent/President enthusiastically shared:
“Having our soccer program reinstated was one of my priorities, as it will create opportunities for our local student-athletes to remain local. This is part of our efforts in making Gavilan the college of choice for students in our service area.”
Salgado played for the Rams in the 2014 and 2015 seasons before transferring to UC Santa Barbara to continue playing at the Division I level. While at UCSB, he graduated with a B.A. in Spanish in 2017. He continued his education, graduating from San Jose State University with his M.A. in teaching.
“Coming back to Gavilan as the Men's Soccer Head Coach is a dream come true. Gavilan soccer is a program that I hold near and dear to my heart,” said Salgado. “[My] accomplishments would not have been possible without the support I received at Gavilan College. For this reason, I am honored, and excited to be coming back to Gavilan College. I am determined to do everything in my power to build its soccer program back up and take it to heights it has never reached before. Hoping that it can help student-athletes reach their highest potential, as it did for me.”
Alejo played for the Rams from 2014-2017. Javier has an A.A. in Administration of Justice from Gavilan College, a B.A. in Sociology from UC Irvine, and an M.A. in Teaching from San Jose State University. Alejo has been a staple of the soccer community in Gilroy coaching at Gilroy High School since 2014.
Javier was quoted as saying, “I am excited and honored to have been given the position to start the Women’s soccer program here at Gavilan College. This is great for our community of Gilroy but especially for women sports. We have lots of talent around the area that we can have a great program. Coming back to coach where I played feels a bit unreal, I had some good memories with the friends I made on the team. I as well enjoyed the professors I had throughout my time in Gavilan College, having great support from them and my counselor."
Salgado and Alejo will begin recruiting in the Spring 2023 semester and begin team training during the Summer 2023 with conditioning courses. Gavilan Athletics will welcome you to competitions on the main Gilroy Campus in Fall 2023 when we will be facing opponents from the Coast Conference.
Click here if you are interested in playing soccer this year.
GO RAMS!