Aven Alvarez of the North Carolina women's soccer team gets an amazing surprise

The University of North Carolina Athletic Program is one close family, and family is so much bigger than sports.

On Tuesday, Aven Alvarez, a freshman defender on the North Carolina women’s soccer team, received the surprise of a lifetime from her own family.

Alvarez’s father, Daniel, was stationed overseas, serving in the United States Army. During a team meeting before practice, Alvarez sat surrounded by her teammates, and in walked her father.
He was seen holding a poster board that read: “I’ve waited 6 months to hug my Tar Heel.” 

Alvarez and her father hugged, sharing a heartfelt moment the two will never forget. During the emotional reunion, her teammates erupted with cheers, tears, and applause.

Alvarez’s father mentioned that he kept up with the team while he was overseas, but he can’t wait to finally see them play in person. And he’s got plenty to look forward to, as the North Carolina women’s soccer team is a national powerhouse.

The Tar Heels are currently 8-1 on the season, and they’re ranked No. 8 in the most recent United Soccer Coaches Women’s Top 25 Poll. The Tar Heels look to add to their win total, playing at Pitt tonight.

As just a freshman, Alvarez has seen plenty of the pitch, playing in all nine games and starting in three. Now, she’ll have her biggest fan — her dad — cheering her on from the stands.