Lindale's Riley Alvey (seated middle) signed a commitment of intent letter to play soccer at Dallas Baptist University Thursday at Lindale High School. Pictured are (front row, from left) Debra Mahler (mother), Alvey, Chris Mahler (stepfather). Back row (from left) Drew Smith (Lindale assistant coach), David Alvey (father), Jason Lawless (Lindale head coach) and Mark Allen (Tyler Azzuri club coach) (Chris Parry | Tyler Morning Telegraph)

LINDALE — Riley Alvey aspired to play soccer at the next level, but wanted it to be at a place that would allow him to further his Christian values while also provide a competitive athletic environment.

Dallas Baptist was that place.

“It is a total shock to get to play at Dallas Baptist, and especially at the Division II level,” said Alvey, a Lindale standout who signed a commitment letter to DBU on Thursday at Lindale High School. “I had several schools that contacted me, but just the feel of the students there and it being Christian-based led me there.”

Alvey is receiving an academic scholarship and a Christian Leadership scholarship. He plans on majoring in Kinesiology.

On the field, Alvey wants to pick up where he left off for the Eagles. The four-year starter earned all-district honors in all of those years and finished with 67 career goals and 29 assists.

This past season, Alvey totaled 29 goals for Lindale, helping his team reach the 4A Region II quarterfinals. Alvey also was named District MVP for 31-4A.

“He deserves it; he’s worked his tail off all four years for us,” Lindale coach Jason Lawless said. “He’s a great player with great skills and you couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Alvey is the most recent of Lawless’ players to sign/commit to a college, joining Shane Edmondson (Centenary) Lane Casey (Jacksonville College) and Nate Nichols (Jacksonville College).

Dallas Baptist only recently returned its men’s soccer program and went 4-13-1 this past season. The Patriots compete in the Heartland Conference.