Ulysses Morales Balances Football and Soccer with Determination

Ulysses Morales from Oak Forest has unexpectedly charted a path in football, yet his passion for soccer remains unwavering. As a senior midfielder, he began his kicking journey for the Bengals in his sophomore year and committed to Illinois football last June. Though he contemplated leaving soccer, he decided an intense schedule was worth the effort.

“The football coaches are the ones who actually told me I should play,” Morales said. “My soccer coaches just gave me the support and told me they’d support my decision either way.”

Morales is satisfied with his choice to stay with soccer. This being his final year, the opportunity to play alongside friends was too significant to pass up. He juggles a demanding schedule, having participated in Oak Forest football’s 38-0 win over Stagg on a Friday night, followed by a soccer match on Saturday, aiding the Bengals in a 1-0 victory against Mount Carmel in a Windy City Ram Classic consolation game.

Balancing both sports since his sophomore year, Morales admits, this year has focused more on football. He acknowledges the physical challenges it brings.

“My legs are still adjusting. I’ve been going to the trainer a lot more before, during games, even after games. There’s a lot more I have to do recovery-wise, but I think it’s worth it.”

Morales’s journey in football began somewhat serendipitously. He only started kicking in his sophomore year without expecting much. However, a chance encounter with a dedicated coach changed his perspective.

“After my sophomore year, I wasn’t sure if it was worth it to keep playing,” Morales said. “I didn’t know if it was worth the time and the money. But I have a really good kicking coach, Chris Nendick. He put the confidence in me.”

Last season, Morales made five field goals and performed consistently on kickoffs. Interest from college coaches intensified over time.

“In January, the first school that ever talked to me was Purdue,” Morales said. “Things cooled off until March when I received my first offer from Arkansas State. Then Illinois offered, and I committed immediately.”

His biggest improvements have been mental. Morales has gained confidence since sophomore year when he was filled with doubt.

“Sophomore year, I doubted myself,” Morales said. “I was super scared. Now, I trust myself more. I want the team to trust me.”

On the soccer field, Morales also earned significant trust, according to coach Alex Alvarez. Although football is now Morales’s primary focus, his love for soccer is clear.

“We told him, ‘It’s up to you,’” Alvarez said. “He’s not a captain, but all the kids look at him as a leader.”