Westbury’s Maria Rodriguez Alvarado Named One of Long Island’s Best Girls Soccer Players

WESTBURY, NEW YORK—Westbury High School senior Maria Rodriguez Alvarado was named to Newsday’s list of the top 100 Long Island high school girls soccer players for the 2026 season. The anchor of the Dragons’ defense, Maria entered her third year as team captain and fourth year as a varsity starter.

“Maria has saved the team from countless goals and scoring opportunities,” Westbury High School girls varsity soccer head coach Alexander Nantsis said. “She is a very talented athlete, but her leadership on and off the field truly set her apart. Maria leads by example and sets the tone for our entire team, elevating the play of her teammates. She is one of the most determined, responsible, thoughtful, and respectful student-athletes I have ever met.”

Maria Rodriguez Alvarado is known for her remarkable soccer IQ and athleticism on defense. She earned all-county honors for the 2025 season and all-conference honors for the 2024 and 2023 seasons.

“It has been my privilege to be her coach for the past four years,” Coach Nantsis said. “Maria’s teammates, classmates, teachers, and coaches are all so proud of her accomplishments.”

Off the field, Maria is passionate about the medical field and intends to pursue a career as a nurse in the future.

To learn more about the Westbury Union Free School District, visit the district website at https://www.westburyschools.org/. Like the district Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OneWestbury, and follow the district on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/onewestbury/?hl=en. #OneWestbury #DedicatedToExcellenceInEducation