Helder Alves Living the American Dream

Helder Alves was born and raised in South Africa-his home which he loves dearly. After having to choose between golf and soccer, he now finds himself living the American dream while playing golf at UT.

"The U.S. is everyone's dream," says Alves. "And it's not something you grow up thinking you're going to do. I asked my dad the other day, 'Did you ever think that your son would be living in America?' It's definitely not something that crosses your mind, you know, it's so far away."

Now however, living in America while pursuing a career in the industry of golf is a tangible reality for Alves.

After graduating high school in his hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa, he attended a golf academy for two years and was afterward recruited to play golf for Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Alves didn't take to Grand View very well and decided to transfer after two years. He says it wasn't so much about going to Iowa, but coming to America. "The only thing keeping me in Iowa was golf, and that wasn't enough," he explains.

Having previously visited some U.S. hot spots like Orlando, Fla., and New York City, Alves knew he wanted to come to Florida noting that the weather would be "more like home." Upon searching for schools in Florida, Alves came across UT.
"UT pretty much provided me with everything I was looking for when it came to school, location, golf, everything," he says.

Although pleased to be playing golf for UT, his athletic career began with an unsuspecting obstacle. After being deemed overqualified by the NCAA, Alves was told he would only have one year of athletic eligibility at UT and consequently chose to play his senior year.

This situation presented Alves with a tough feat. After missing a year, he had to re-assimilate to competition when he began to play as a senior this past fall. "Yes, you get practice and play but every golfer knows that when you're in that situation of competition there's just that much more pressure," he explains.

That pressure struck Alves as he re-entered competitive golf at UT and affected his playing. Since the spring season started, he has adjusted and improved greatly, which seems to correspond with the pattern of the team in general, as well.

"Compared to the fall where we were nowhere," Alves explains. "But for the spring we've done really well as a team." He says the start of the season was strong with 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place finishes. The most recent tournament proved to be an exception to the team's success, however, as an injured player suffered in scores.

Alves himself has placed twice in the top ten and once in the top twenty in three out of four tournaments this spring. He looks forward to the remaining tournaments and later the Sunshine State Conference, where he is hopeful that UT will perform well.

UT golf has allowed Alves to develop in ways additional to his athletic progression. Noting the majority freshman makeup of the team, and as one of only two seniors, Alves says he has been able to achieve a position of leadership.

"After the first couple tournaments I had a couple players ask me what I've been doing to play well and being able to have good scores. That was really cool. That was a first for me. I've always wanted to be a leader." He says he likes being able to serve as a guide for such a young team.

As a senior, Alves looks forward to a near future of life after graduating college, which he will be doing with a degree in sport management. He wants to work at the Golf Channel, preferably travelling and interacting with players.

"I always wanted to pursue golf as a profession," says Alves. Having played since about age 8, he has a deep love for the game. Having grown up in South Africa, he also shares that love for soccer, but had to choose between the two at age 14. Acknowledging certain political implications of soccer in his country, he committed to golf, after which he "wanted to see if [he] could further [his] life in America."

Alves loves America and describes his first encounter with the country as "eye-opening." He says he probably won't stay in the U.S. forever, but won't be leaving any time soon.

While opportunity in the U.S. is unmatched, Alves notes striking differences from South Africa. "People are very close to one another back home," he says noting strong family connections that contrast with the way 18 year olds in the U.S. leave home as soon as possible. He also says that certain values are in decline.

Despite these differences, Alves has found a second home in Florida where he wants to stay to work at the Golf Channel headquarteres in Orlando.

With plans to pursue a career in the golf industry, a college degree, and collegiate golf experience, that aspiration is coming close to reality.

For now, Alves is focusing on finishing the season strongly. He is adamant about winning a tournament, noting that they have come very close. "We are underdogs," he says. We may not have the best talents in America, but we do the best that we can do and that's all we can strive for."

Striving for one's best is at the most what anyone can do. From South Africa to Iowa to Tampa, Helder Alves has done just that.

Written by Anya Proctor