Neuqua Valley senior Alex Serra’s passion for soccer is surpassed only by his sense of adventure.
That’s why Serra is passing up a chance to play college soccer. Instead, the 6-foot-4 defender intends to get his college degree in Spain. He is set to attend the International University of Catalonia in Barcelona.
“My dad (Martin) is from Barcelona, and I have a bunch of family from there,” Serra said. “I think seeing the world at a young age is something worth experiencing.
“I was looking at playing at Wisconsin-Eau Claire. I did a college visit there, but then I weighed my options, and I thought going to Spain is a better choice.”
It is certainly an unconventional one. Yet it isn’t out of character for Serra, according to Neuqua Valley senior defender Wes Karubas.
“He’s an extraordinary person,” Karubas said. “He loves going back to his roots, and he loves the experience. He’s a thrill seeker, and he loves a little adventure. He likes to hike. He always wants to do the biggest, best thing. I think it’s a good moment for him to go overseas.”
Serra, whose only previous trip to Spain came when he was in third grade, is not the first member of his family to study overseas. Serra’s mother, Cheryl, did a semester in Spain before she met Martin in Chicago.
“He and my mom went to Spain for two years and got married in Spain in 2002,” Serra said. “He came here a year or two after.”
The only other country Serra has visited is Mexico, the homeland of his maternal grandmother. But he’s proficient in Spanish, which will come in handy in college.
“I already know a bunch of Spanish, but obviously this will make my Spanish better,” he said. “I’m close to fluent.”
Although Serra has relatives in Barcelona, he is planning to live in the dorms. His older sister Mia, who played basketball at Neuqua Valley, is a student at UIC and is currently studying for a semester at the International University of Catalonia.
Serra’s decision surprised Neuqua Valley boys soccer coach Arnoldo Gonzalez.
“I know he had the ability to go play at the next level, and I know there are schools after him,” Gonzalez said. “Any school would be lucky to have him.”
But Gonzalez is supportive of Serra’s plans.
“Going to college is a big thing,” Gonzalez said. “Going to college out of the country is bigger. It’s not like you’re a sophomore in college and you’re like, ‘I’m going to do a semester abroad.’ He’s going to school out there for four years. Good for him.”
Serra, a three-year starter, has been good for the Wildcats (5-8-3), who have never asked more from him than they have this season. The Augustana-bound Karubas has hardly played at all due to an ankle injury, forcing Serra to take on more responsibility.
“He’s really stepped up,” Karubas said. “He’s really fit the shoes that I left, and he’s been doing a great job of leading the team.”
Indeed, Serra has made an impact at both ends. A team captain, he has solidified the back line while also contributing three goals and two assists.
Serra nearly scored again during the Wildcats’ 5-1 nonconference win over visiting Argo in Naperville on Thursday, missing wide on a header.
“I was a little nervous at first,” Serra said of his captain’s role. “But I think we have such an awesome team, and they’ve been making it a little easier on me.”
Soccer is the only sport that Serra, who moved to Naperville when he was in second grade, has ever played. He’s trying to make the most of his final season.
“I’m just going into every game knowing this is my last time playing this team,” Serra said. “This is my senior year. I’m just giving it my all and having that killer mentality.”
It’s a mentality that informs Serra’s approach to life. He doesn’t want to waste any opportunities to do something new, thus the decision to study in Spain.
“I don’t want to keep on delaying being able to see the world,” he said. “That’s probably the biggest reason.”
Serra, who has dual nationality, said he intends to return stateside to pursue a career in economics or business management. In the meantime, he won’t lose his love for soccer. In Spain, Serra wants to attend FC Barcelona’s games at Camp Nou.
“My sister is watching the El Clasico in two weeks,” he said. “I’m jealous.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.
