James Volz|Uvalde Leader-News
Joseph Pedraza (third from the right), his coach, and family members were on hand to celebrate his signing to play soccer with Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Joining him for the event in the John H. Harrell Auditorium on May 31 were sister Chloe Pedarza, dad Benito Pedraza, Coach George Menchaca, mom Athena Pedraza, and brother Jacob Pedraza.
Uvalde High School Class of 2023 senior Joseph Pedraza will be playing soccer for Oklahoma Wesleyan University next school year.
Last Wednesday night, Pedraza, his family, and friends gathered in the John H. Harrell Auditorium to celebrate his signing with the Bartlesville, Oklahoma, school.
“Joseph was one of the first players I met when I took the job of Coyotes head soccer coach,” said UHS head soccer coach George Menchaca. “I could tell right then that he was going to be one of my best players. He had a competitive nature that I knew would lead us to success.
“I have no doubt that Joseph will go on to have success in college,” said Coach Menchaca.
Pedraza, who captured co-most-valuable midfielder honors in District 28-4A soccer this past season, helped lead the Coyotes to a second place finish in district and a 3-0 bi-district playoff victory over the San Antonio Kennedy Rockets.
He scored one goal against Kennedy.
For the season, Pedraza rolled up 17 goals and he made three assists.
“Winning bi-district honors was terrific,” said Coach Menchaca. “Joseph getting this opportunity to play in college just tops off what was a great season.”
The Coyotes finished second to the Floresville Tigers in the district race.
They battled the Tigers to a 0-0 tie in the district match played in Uvalde, but lost a 5-0 decision in district competition at Floresville.
The Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles compete in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.
In 2022, the Eagles finished first in conference competition with an 11-1-1 record.
Their overall season record was 14-6-3.
