Alex Greive
From the Horizon League to the Scottish Premiership
After standing out as a forward at Northern Kentucky University, New Zealand native Alex Greive turned his ambitions toward the professional game. His journey has taken him from the U.S. collegiate system to the top tiers of football in Scotland, Ireland, and back to the United States.
In this feature, Alex reflects on his development as a collegiate student-athlete, his progression to the professional level, and the lessons he has learned from competing across three continents.
“Take chances and believe in yourself as you never know when an opportunity may present itself.”
Alex’s time at Northern Kentucky University was a defining chapter in his growth. Competing at the NCAA Division I level gave him structure, lasting friendships, and the chance to refine his craft both on and off the field.
I loved my time at NKU and look back on my three years there very fondly. I made great strides as a footballer and met some of my best friends for life.
That experience taught Greive discipline, consistency and prepared him for the demands of life in the professional game.
From an early age, Alex knew he wanted to play football at the highest level. From the age of four I dedicated my life to becoming a footballer, he reflects. It was during his college years that he began to realize that the dream began to feel tangible.
Seeing others in a similar position make the transition to the professional game showed him that the opportunity was within reach and gave him the confidence to chase it with everything he had.
When I was in the college system, I started to see the pathways that could lead to playing professionally, he explains. That was when it became real for me.
Transitioning into the professional game brought a new level of physical and mental demand. Greive credits his time as a student-athlete with giving him the foundation to thrive under pressure.
It was crucial to get used to the physical and mental demands of training every day with gym work, team video and everything else that comes with it, he says. College taught me professionalism. From being on time to training properly and taking care of yourself. In a pro environment, those habits matter because if you do not have them, you get found out quickly.
That foundation of discipline and attention to detail helped him adapt quickly to his transition into the full-time game.
Greive’s career has taken him to clubs in Scotland, Ireland and the United States, each with its own distinct football culture. Representing St Mirren FC and Dundee United FC in the Scottish Premiership gave him the chance to compete in one football’s most passionate environments.
To be able to play in the top league of one of the most football-mad countries in the world was an absolute blessing, he says. The stadiums, the crowds and just the overall level of football were incredible experiences.
These differing experiences have not only expanded his technical ability on the field but also deepened his understanding of what it means to be adaptable in life in general.
It has opened my eyes to different styles of football and helped me become more well-rounded as a player, he explains. As a person, it has also given me invaluable life experience, immersing myself in new cultures and learning how different people live.
When asked about his proudest moment, Alex does not hesitate. Playing for New Zealand at home against Australia, he says with a smile. I grew up with that rivalry, so being part of it in front of my friends and family was something very special to me.
Returning to the United States to sign with San Antonio FC added another milestone to his story and a challenge he was very excited about. After attending college in the US, I always wanted to come back and play here professionally so as soon as the opportunity came up, at a club like San Antonio, I jumped at it.
His first season started really well but was disrupted by injuries, however he is loving life in Texas. I have enjoyed every minute and I am hoping for a strong and injury-free finish to the season.
For student-athletes nearing graduation and considering their next step, Greive’s message is simple and encouraging.
Take chances and believe in yourself, he says. When I left college, if someone told me I would be playing in the Scottish Premiership two years later, I would not have believed them.
He continued, Keep your standards high, play at the best level you can and stay ready because you never know when that opportunity will present itself.
Feeling inspired by Greive’s journey?
Your pathway could be next. Whether it’s continuing your education, competing at the next level or exploring life overseas, we can walk you through the pricing of our pathways and help you choose the package that best fits your needs.