UNE basketball captain ready to lead the way
BIDDEFORD, Maine (BVM) – Alex Kravchuk, fearless leader of the men’s basketball team at the University of New England, has worked hard during his athletic career. Now, as a senior, Kravchuk, and guard Avery Debrito will take on the captains’ role.
Kravchuk gained an understanding of what it takes to be a leader when he attended E. O. Smith High School. There, he collected a total of six varsity letters for playing both basketball and baseball. Along with earning varsity letters, Kravchuk earned MVP in both sports as a senior. Kravchuk also set a school record of 588 points in a season and a free throw percentage of 84.6%.
“Some people just need to be motivated to bring out the best in them,” said Kravchuk.
Now, for Alex, believing himself was one of the essential parts of his career. Growing up and creating a mindset has always helped him focus on his goals and the game. And when he competes, he likes to be in the game, both physically and mentally.
Having confidence in himself has always let Alex accomplish a lot in his basketball career. During his freshman year at the University of New England, the 2017-2018 season, he was the Commonwealth Coast Conference Rookie of the Week and received the team’s Most Improved Player award. In the 2018-2019 season, he was on the CCC third-team and was on the third-team again following the 2019-2020 season.
Along with these accomplishments, Alex has been taking mental notes on how the older players handle themselves during these past three seasons. Understanding and learning from them as a way to get better at what he was doing. Especially as a freshman, as he was starting to adapt to the college atmosphere. And now, as a captain, he can reflect on those times and see his own personal growth from the past three seasons. Alex saw himself go from a looked over, freshman to a well-respected captain of the team.
“Alex meets every aspect of a captain,” said senior Drake Gavin. “He’ll make any sacrifice for the team to win, whether that be guarding guys twice his size or cheering on his team from the sideline.”
Along with learning from everyone around him as he grows up, he has created some personal goals and follows a motto. Firstly, Alex’s personal goals are to be the best player and teammate that he can be. And scoring comes with the practice that he puts in. As a motto, Alex follows the “Believe in yourself” motto to live by.
As a captain of the UNE men’s basketball team, Alex has many goals for himself and the team. Starting with winning the conference, of course, that would mean they needed to have a season. Although he is hopeful, the odds are not looking in favor of having a 2020-2021 season. But, even if there is not a season, Alex is sure not to take any time on the court for granted and will take what he can get and have fun with it. His coach, Ed Silva, has always said to have fun while playing, and Alex has taken a lot from that.
While Alex has continued to learn from his coach, he has also learned from the team’s previous captains.
“In college, being a leader is more about keeping people accountable and to show a great example because what you do could determine what the next person does,” Alex said. “I know what it feels like to not be confident and not believing, but I do now, and it made a super big impact on me,” Alex said.
As Alex moves forward, he will show his team that anyone can do what they want to if they put their minds to it. He will continue to motivate and be a leader to his teammates on and off the court. Alex is a great role model on the team, and he supports and encourages everyone he comes in contact with.
“Alex is someone I look up to on and off the court as he has a good head on his shoulders and is a great role model,” sophomore Jeremiah Martinez said.
