Alex Whitcraft: Life after soccer

After 5,610 minutes, 68 games played, 67 starts (fifth all-time in program) and numerous awards and accolades, including making the 2022 All-American Athletic Conference Rookie Team and a three-time CSC Academic All-District Team selection, graduate defender Alex Whitcraft’s time as a Houston soccer player comes to an end. 

She leaves her mark as one of the greatest defenders in the program’s history,  helping bring leadership and stability to the backline.

For many college athletes, the goal after college is to try to make it to the professional level of sports. But it’s not an easy process. You have to commit yourself physically and mentally to the sport of your choosing. You also have to develop good habits that will allow your career to flourish.

But for Whitcraft and others like her, there are other opportunities in the world of sports that don’t require putting your body on the line physically all the time.

“When I was in high school, I think professional soccer was something that I wanted to do,” Whitcraft said. “Then I think throughout college, realizing how hard it is on the body, I kind of decided it’s not something I want to do.”

Despite focusing on other lanes of opportunity, Whitcraft praised women’s soccer for how it has evolved in recent years. But as of now, she’s working hard, this time in the classroom, looking forward to a degree in business.

“I also think the women’s game is still growing, which I’m glad. I just don’t think that’s what’s next for me. For me, what’s next is finishing my degree this summer. Probably getting an internship this spring, and starting to work in business, probably within sports. But I’m also interested in working in the financial industry,” Whitcraft said.

In the meantime, Whitcraft is currently in the process of writing her very own book. It is called Mayday, and it’s based in the universe of the critically acclaimed T.V. series Lost. It is a hobby that has helped her relax her mind and take it off from things that are soccer related.

“I think it’s important for us as college athletes to have interests outside of soccer. That’s something I’ve had to learn over the years. Having time to devote to something I’m passionate about outside of soccer has been really important to me and it helps me to take my mind off the game at times. It’s a good creative outlet for me.”

No matter the path that she takes, Whitcraft is forever grateful for having soccer in her life, as she has already made her peace with her career ending on her own terms, and she’ll be cheering on Houston from the sidelines.

“I have a few different career paths I can go, which is nice, and I don’t have to be in a rush. But for soccer, I think this is it for me, and I’m okay with that. I made peace with that a long time ago. I’ll be a cheerleader for this program in the next few years to come for sure.”