By Derrick Smith
Accomplishments are something we can all be proud of, no matter how old we are. Being able to say that you did something you worked hard for is a great thing. Broken Arrow’s Ulisses Costeira says that as a high school athlete, he has a few accomplishments that he is proud of.
“My favorite memory of playing soccer would have to be my commitment to play soccer at Rogers State University once I graduate,” he said. “Also, winning the Class 6A state championship in 2021 was a big moment. It is great to be a part of such a big and diverse team and being able to play every minute of every game in the playoffs was an exciting moment of my soccer career.”
Costeira is a senior and plays outside back and midfield for the Tigers’ soccer team. He first began playing soccer when he was five years old, and he says that the growth that he has experienced over his career is proof of the hard work that he has put in.
“It has taken up much of my time, considering that soccer is a daily occurrence in my life,” he said. “It has taken hard work and dedication day in and day out. I have had highs and lows in soccer and pushing through the lows is a difficult part of the process. Never giving up and keeping a positive, uplifting attitude has gotten me to where I am today.”
While he has put in a lot of work over the years, Ulisses says he has also had some great influences on his life that have helped him become the person he is today.
“My parents have been the biggest role models for my life,” he said. “They have molded me into the person I am today. They have supported me every step of the way, so without them I wouldn’t be who I am today.”
Over his long career, Costeira has accumulated numerous awards and honors. He has earned Academic All-Conference, honorable mention to the All-District first team. He has also won the OPC U19 State Championship and the National Cup South Central Regional tournament. His team went on to play Nationals in Colorado and Ulisses ended up scoring the only three goals his team scored in the tournament.
