481 days ago the Class of ‘23 marched their way out of Pines Charter for their last and final time. For many, this was the happiest day of their lives since it concluded their high school years. But for Alex Champagne, this was only the beginning of his career.
From a young age Champagne was thrown into many different sports, but the one that excited his mind the most was soccer. The enjoyment of the sport quickly grew to the passion that led him to commit to a Division 1 school. After receiving his high school diploma, Champagne started his collegiate career at Temple University in the fall of 2023.
The earliest memories of the beautiful sport is heading to the field with his father and simply kicking the ball around. But continuing the sport “is all because of the talent that God has given me, it’s genuinely a gift.” Champagne not only played soccer to reach his full potential and meet his personal goals, but he played to glorify God through the sport.
Throughout Alex’s freshman season at Temple, he had realized that the college and the charter field were both very different atmospheres. Not being able to play as many minutes as anticipated, Champagne knew it wasn’t going to be easy.
“Coming from being a key player for Charter then arriving at college and not having the minutes I wanted taught me to learn a lot about patience.” Champagne describes. Hours and hours over and over again, Champagne worked harder than ever to unlock a new level of himself. Changing his whole dynamic sophomore year. Not only as a player but as a person.
Finding enjoyment in the process of learning and the professionalism of the program grew Alex’s interest for soccer.
This soon led Champagne wanting to see how far his talent could truly go. Having a close connection with his heritage, coming from parents of both Haitian descent. His parents were both born and raised in Haiti, passing the pride of being Haitian. Champagne decided to connect with a good friend who knew the national team coach, Alex took the chance and got in contact.
With just a highlight clip, Alex was called up to the U-20 Haiti National team to play this past February.
Playing in the qualifiers for the U-20 FIFA World Cup in St.Kitts. Not only did he believe in himself, but he was confident in representing his nation greatly: “It’s more than that, my parents, representing all the people of Haiti and being able to represent the 2 million people of Haiti on a national level is something I take full pride in.”
Going back into Champagnes high school days he reminisced how Pines Charter was a time in his life he will forever be grateful for. “Being a Jaguar really made me grow as a person, being able to build bonds, and amazing relationships with people I still have connections with.” Champagne mentions.
Representing his Jaguar pride every chance he got, Champagne grew into a person who just radiated confidence. Leading not only himself, but his team to being amazing players on the field. “The field taught me about being a leader, being captain for my last two years, truly helped me translate those leadership skills off the field.”
Walking into the Pines Charter stadium, Alex Champagne never missed a practice or game because of how high school soccer grew his passion, before Alex’s high school experience he went through a rough patch. “Playing Pines Charter soccer was something that made me love the game 10 times more.”
As Champagne continues this journey in the soccer world he gives thanks to all past coaches, alumni and teammates that helped him be the player he is today. Alongside his teammates, they helped Champagne develop his confidence, which was a struggle that he continues to battle on the field. But as his professional career takes off, he has full faith in God’s plan and where God will take him.
Taking immense pride in himself, Champagne gives his two cents for varsity soccer team, “make the most out of every opportunity to put the boots on and learn to adapt quickly to any situation or environment.”
Playing in the CONCACAF for the U-20 national squad was no small thing for Champagne. “I am super duper proud of this experience, being able to wear that jersey and my parents being able to watch me on TV at home representing their country was definitely something I am proud of and I know my parents are definitely proud of.”
As Champagne continues to make his mark, Alex’s experience is nothing short of amazing. Winning two time ALL- County player and Midfielder of the year his senior season here at Charter, Champagne pushes on making an impact on and off the field, especially the national stage.
