MERCED, Calif. – University of California, Merced men's soccer junior Joey Alvarez was named a Dr. Hal Charnofsky Memorial Award winner at UC Merced's Athletics Banquet.

The Dr. Hal Charnofsky Memorial Award recognizes CCAA student-athletes who have distinguished themselves in the classroom and in their sport. Two student-athletes at each CCAA member institution in the 2025-26 academic year are given the award.

Alvarez and UC Merced women's volleyball's Semiramis Tanasescu are this year's recipients.

Alvarez has achieved a 4.0 GPA in four out of his first five semesters and holds a 3.96 GPA overall while working towards his bachelors degree in public health. He is a 3X Chancellor's list member and was named a 2025 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar.

Alvarez started seven games in 2025, including six in the CCAA. The midfielder totaled a career-high 682 minutes on the year and played 88 minutes in the Bobcats 1-0 win over Chico State, the program's first ever CCAA win.

The Winton, Calif., native has played 39 games overall in his career and has contributed offensively with two goals and four assists. He recorded his first point against a CCAA team at Cal State Monterey Bay. Prior to the Bobcats joining the CCAA, Alvarez helped lead UC Merced to the 2024 California Pacific Conference Regular Season and Tournament Championship.

Outside of competition and the classroom, Alvarez is currently in his second year as UC Merced's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President.