Alex Sowinski has seen soccer in ways most high school players never will. As one of the team’s top scorers, he has stepped in and taken on a major role on the Gretna High School boys soccer team this season.
His path to this point has been anything but typical. Sowinski trained in Spain at TOVO Academy, playing for one of New England’s top clubs, Seacoast United, and now he returns to Gretna, wearing his brother’s number and leading his high school team.
“The decisions were mainly for continuing my development with soccer,” Sowinski said.
That mindset first took him overseas. Beginning at TOVO Academy in January of 2023, Sowinski entered a program where the game looked different from what he had known growing up.
“TOVO, at its core, is a driving ambition to transform lives for the better,” the academy states on its website. “Our goal is to maximize the full potential of student-athletes worldwide.”
For Sowinski, that began with his daily routine.
“There were around 22 kids in the hostel,” Sowinski said. “We train in the morning at 8 a.m., afternoon at 3 p.m. and then school the rest of the day.”
Players even had the opportunity to go into nearby cities, like Barcelona, which was both a break and a chance to experience a different culture. While the structure was intense, it wasn’t just the schedule that stood out. Some players, including Sowinski, got opportunities to train with the local Spanish academy teams. This experience gave him a clearer picture of what a higher level looks like.
“There were four or five of us who trained with the academy, and it was just different,” Sowinski said.
The pace was faster, and the play was cleaner. The academy gave him a better understanding of the level he was working toward and what it would take to reach it.
After returning to the United States, he was brought to New Hampshire, playing for Seacoast United, one of New England’s top club programs. There, he faced a more physical, direct style of play which differed from the technical, possession-focused style in Spain.
“We chose New Hampshire because I’m from there and we have family, so it was an easier move,” Sowinski said.
There, he adjusted again. This time it was not just about style, but also consistency. Different clubs, different teammates and different expectations meant Sowinski had to constantly keep adapting. Each experience helped him grow, even if it was not always the right long-term fit.
As time went on, Sowinski started considering what would make the most sense long-term, not only for development, but also exposure and opportunity.
Sowinski and his family ultimately decided to return home to Gretna. The move helped position him for the next step in his soccer career and prepared him for college opportunities in the Midwest.
“Hampshire wasn’t really working, and I’m talking to more colleges out in the Midwest, rather than the East Coast, so it’d be better for that,” Sowinski said.
Coming back wasn’t as simple as just jumping right back in, but instead adjusting again to a new role. Sowinski was named one of the four captains of the Gretna High boys’ soccer team.
“You don’t really know who you’re playing with, so there’s definitely a learning curve for me,” Sowinski said.
That learning curve has shaped how he approaches being a captain. Sowinski decided to focus on helping his teammates grow with him.
“I want to make sure people are playing their best. You don’t want to just yell…you want to encourage them,” Sowinski said.
The approach isn’t loud or flashy, but instead steady.
“I obviously want to be competitive. You have to demand more, but you also want to keep people up,” he said.
Years before Spain or New Hampshire, that mindset sparked at home. Sowinski grew up playing with his older brother, Tommy Sowinski, who was constantly competing and pushing Alex to keep up.
“Ever since I was basically able to walk, we were playing together. I’ve always tried to play to his level,” Sowinski said.
That influence has carried on throughout his whole career.
“I feel like without him, I wouldn’t be the player I am today,” Sowinski said. “I know my brother had it, so I wanted to take it, I kind of have to take it.”
With about half the season left, Sowinski’s focus is on what he can do for the team.
“The goal is probably to win state,” he said. “Ever since seeing my brother play there [Morrison Stadium], I’ve wanted to. I never got the chance.”
For Sowinski, the path hasn’t always been straightforward. Each step has been about improving, adjusting and figuring out what comes next.
Now back in Gretna, the challenge looks different. It’s not about finding a higher level, it’s about creating one.
