Aaron F. Zuniga Alvarez, M.S., EdD Candidate in Sport and Performance Psychology

At Zuma Recovery Spa, Aaron F. Zuniga Alvarez brings an unparalleled combination of academic excellence, athletic experience, and a deep commitment to enhancing athlete performance and wellbeing. Aaron began his journey in Laredo, Texas, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) in 2017, where he also distinguished himself as a collegiate soccer player on a full-ride NCAA Division II scholarship. His athletic and academic pursuits underscore a lifelong dedication to sports and mental health.

Continuing to bridge the gap between physical and psychological aspects of sports, Aaron pursued a Master’s degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sports Management from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. This program allowed him to deepen his understanding of the sports industry and refine his approach to sports management and performance.

Aaron’s professional journey includes significant roles in higher education, notably serving as a Regional Advisor for the Recruitment & School Relations Office at TAMIU, where he supported students and student-athletes through their admissions process. His commitment to education and sports led him to pursue a doctorate in Sport and Performance Psychology with the University of Western States, aiming to pioneer new approaches in sports psychology and performance in his community.

As a doctoral candidate, Aaron is on the cusp of earning his degree, with a vision to serve young athletes and active individuals in Laredo, Texas, through innovative performance enhancement techniques. His work at Zuma Recovery Spa is a testament to his dedication to holistic wellness, offering clients the latest in recovery services such as infrared sauna, cryotherapy, percussive therapy, and cold plunges, all through the lens of an expert in sport and performance psychology.

Aaron’s journey from an NCAA athlete to a doctoral candidate in Sport and Performance Psychology embodies the spirit of Zuma Recovery Spa: a dedication to the holistic improvement of performance, health, and well-being. His expertise not only in the physical domain of sports but also in the psychological aspects of performance makes him a valuable asset to our team and to the clients we serve.