Bio

Julian “Rafa” Alvarez returns home to Riverside City College in his first year as a coach, focusing on the outfield, baserunning, and hitting.

In his first season as a part of the Tiger coaching staff, RCC had six position players earn All Orange Empire Conference team honors, including Gavin Egan, who earned second-team outfielder honors. 

Alvarez was a key member of RCC Baseball’s 2022 State Championship team, helping RCC secure its fifth State Championship title and was named the Most Valuable Player. He played with grit and was tenacious as a competitor, which allowed him to compete at a high level consistently. He brings the same approach and mentality to the players he coaches and mentors now.

In high school, Alvarez led Yucaipa High School to win the CIF Championship in 2018. He was an All-Citrus Belt First Team selection in 2018 and 19 before accepting a scholarship offer to California Baptist University in 2019. When COVID-19 hit, Alvarez decided to attend Riverside City College, where he took classes during the shutdown period and was back on the field at RCC as a student-athlete in the fall of 2021. After helping the Tigers win the 3C2A State Championship in the spring, Alvarez once again accepted a scholarship offer at CBU and played his final three years as a key member and contributor for the Lancers.

Not only did Alvarez perform on the field, but he also found a way to be ultra-successful in the academic arena as well. When he finished his time with CBU, he walked away with a Bachelor's of Arts in Communication Studies and a Master’s of Arts in Organizational Leadership.

Head Coach Rudy Arguelles: “I am beyond excited to have one of our own come back and give back to our players. Rafa exemplifies what our Tiger Family and pillars stand for! He’s lived it and is determined to be a part of our continued success. The players feed off his intensity and fierce competitiveness. We have always taken tremendous pride in our approach and abilities with player development, and there is no question that Rafa will be a huge part in our players' continued development and growth. He is a prime example of a Tiger is! What an asset to bring back to our program. His coaching future is bright!”