“In life, even when something seems like a disadvantage, if you work hard enough and you don't quit or give up hope, it can turn into an advantage.”

Hi everyone,

My name is Joseph Govea, and I’m raising funds for an incredible opportunity to attend and play soccer at Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU).

Soccer has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I started playing when I was just 18 months old, and ever since then the game has been a huge part of my life. My dream has always been to play soccer professionally as a goalkeeper, and I’ve spent years dedicating myself to improving and pushing my limits.

But like any dream worth chasing, the journey hasn’t been perfect.

If you’ve ever chased something important in your life, you probably know what it feels like to face setbacks that make you question everything. Moments where things don’t go the way you hoped, where doors seem to close, and where it would be easier to just give up.

I’ve had those moments too.

During my senior season of varsity high school soccer, I didn’t start in goal like I had always worked toward. Instead, I started as a field player. Not long after that, I faced another difficult setback when I was demoted from ECNL-RL to a lower team.

For a lot of athletes, especially during their senior year when college exposure matters most, that can feel like everything you’ve worked for is slipping away.

There were moments where I wondered if all the time, effort, and sacrifices had been worth it.

But if you’ve ever been in a place like that—where things feel unfair or discouraging—you also know that those moments can define you.

You either give up… or you keep going.

I chose to keep going.

And looking back, those setbacks ended up teaching me something valuable. Playing on the field helped me understand the game from a completely different perspective. Because of that experience, I can now read the game in ways many goalkeepers cannot, anticipating plays before they develop and communicating better with my backline to stop dangerous attacks.

Even after being demoted, I didn’t stop working. I trained extra hours every week, pushing myself in the gym and on the field to improve.

Recently, that dedication paid off—I was promoted back to ECNL-RL, which meant a lot to me because it showed that the hard work and perseverance mattered.

Today, I train six days a week. Whether I’m in the gym working on strength and mobility or on the field sharpening my skills, I’m constantly pushing myself to improve.

Pursuing this dream has required years of discipline and sacrifice. I’ve sacrificed time with friends, time with family, and many moments people my age normally spend doing other things. But to me, it has always been worth it because soccer is what I love.

Now I have an opportunity that could take my development to the next level.

Attending Oklahoma Wesleyan University would allow me to continue my academic journey while competing at one of the highest levels in collegiate soccer. OKWU is the #1 NAIA soccer program in the nation, which means I would be training in an elite, highly competitive environment with top-level coaching and players.

Being part of a program like that would push me to improve every day, help me develop at the highest level, and bring me significantly closer to my ultimate goal of playing professionally.

The challenge is the cost.

The total cost to attend is around $30,000. This opportunity would not only allow me to continue playing the game I love but also help me build a future through education and athletics.

That’s why I’m asking for your support.

If my story resonates with you—if you’ve ever faced a setback, chased a dream, or refused to give up on something that matters to you—your support would mean more than you know.

Any contribution—no matter the size—brings me one step closer to this life-changing opportunity. And if you’re not able to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting me in chasing a dream that I’ve been working toward my entire life.

— Joseph Govea