More than 10 teachers and teacher assistants from Palatine’s English Learner Department were in the stands at the Elk Grove vs Palatine varsity soccer game to cheer on the Pirates’ newest forward, Joseph Molina-Urbina. 

Aaron Morris, PHS’ Varsity Soccer head coach, remembers that night well. “We were playing a very good team that hadn’t lost up to that point and it was the first goal that really got him going,” Morris said. “And you know, just to see him feed off the energy, we had a huge crowd there and it was really cool to see the excitement light up Joseph’s face.” 

Joseph is a first-year senior on Palatine High School’s varsity soccer team. He was born and raised in Nicaragua before coming to the United States in June of 2021 for new beginnings.

“I never complained, you know? It’s always been something where there’s obviously obstacles and a lot of hardships. But, you know, we made do and I never complained,” Joseph said through interpreter Alex Miramontes, Palatine’s assistant principal. “I want more than anything for my mom to be proud of me.”

Joseph had originally found himself playing soccer as a way to cope and escape from reality, but he’d never played for an official soccer team before.

During the summer, Coach Morris had invited Joseph to come practice in the summer soccer program. Once Morris saw this potential in him, he had invited him to play in one of the upcoming games. Joseph was really excited – or so Morris thought. Until another kid said to him, “Hey, Coach, you know that kid doesn’t speak a word of English.”

Realizing this, Morris changed the way he coached and became more lenient. Joseph’s personality became so inspiring. Breaking from his usual coaching standards, Morris allowed Joseph’s friends to come to practice and play. 

Morris mentions how respectful his friends were whenever they were invited, “They always cleaned up after themselves, they didn’t goof off too much. They helped Joseph loosen up a bit during practice while he was still getting used to the other guys.” 

“And Joseph, I always told him, play with passion, because I know it’s always there. Because I’d seen it,” Morris said.  

Joseph was the leading scorer on PHS’ Varsity Soccer team, with 10 goals and two assists in the year. 

“He didn’t need to commit, because it’s a huge commitment and he did,” Morris said.

“My favorite part of soccer was the training,” Joseph said. “I didn’t know anybody on the team, and it makes me really happy that I was able to meet them and train to get better with my teammates, my friends.” 

“It’s just changed some of the outlook,” Morris said. “I, you know, after high school, I’m not sure what Joseph was going to do. Now he has another option too, because he put in the work.” 

Joseph went on to win the MSL West All-Conference, 2024 MSL Week 7 MVP, and an invitation from Harper College to play soccer on a full ride scholarship. 

Joseph had a rough start to the upcoming school years. Up until senior year, he didn’t know what he was going to do after high school. 

In spite of all the challenges Joseph faced in migrating to the United States, he remains motivated to succeed. His future plans include playing for Harper College’s soccer team and eventually becoming a professional soccer player. 

“You know, a lot of people say, ‘Oh, you did a great job!’” Morris said. “No, Joseph did all the work. I just got to witness it and, and that’s, that’s what gives me so much pride.”