MY LETU STORY: Alex Barrero

NOTE: This is part of a series on letuathletics.com with feature stories written by senior student-athletes, or in their final year, about their time at LeTourneau and the impact it has made on them.

By: Alex Barrero | Sr. | Men's Tennis

Born and raised in Mexico City, I spent my formative 19 years immersed in my country’s rich culture and warm energy. It was a place where my love for mixing sports and academics started, shaping the person I am today.

Coming to the United States to pursue my Mechanical Engineering studies at LeTourneau University marked a significant chapter in my life. 

Here, I found a platform to merge my academic journey with my passion for sports, delving deep into the world of problem-solving and engineering while developing my love for motorsports.

My academic journey revolves around majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics and a concentration in Aerospace Engineering. My life goal is to carve a path as a motorsports engineer, where I can blend technical expertise with my fervor for high-performance vehicles.

Beyond the academic sphere, I find some peace and joy in music. I'm a musician at heart, I like playing the guitar, piano, and singing every once in a while. This creative outlet complements my hands-on enthusiasm, as I enjoy building go-karts and crafting in the machine shop, honing my skills as a skilled mechanical engineer.

Sports have always been an integral part of my life. Starting as a football quarterback and swimmer for nine years, I then started to play tennis at the age of 14. Tennis became more than just a sport; it became a companion through my academic pursuits at LeTourneau University. Balancing the complexity of my field of study with the competitive spirit of tennis has been a defining and rewarding experience.

One of my significant projects is being the design lead for the SAE Baja racing senior design team. This hands-on experience has deepened my understanding of engineering principles in a real-world context, fueling my passion for motorsports and engineering innovation.

The transition to studying in the US wasn't without its challenges. Initially, I struggled with self-consciousness about my accent and English proficiency, which I thought it created a language barrier. This made early engineering courses daunting and stressful. However, with resilience and support from my background, family, and friends, I've grown immensely, both personally and academically.

Today, as I reflect on my journey, I see a transformation. Studying while playing tennis at LeTourneau University has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, showcasing the harmony I've found between academic excellence and athletic achievement.

Alejandro “Alex” Barrero