Wolves veteran is a coach on the field

KRONENWETTER - Tekoya Cosby was influenced by his middle school basketball coach to the point where he would like to lead a team himself someday when his athletic career ends.

The senior striker seems like an extension of the coaching staff for the Wisconsin Valley Lutheran boys soccer team now.

"He's kind of the leader out there and gets the players motivated and people in position where they need to be and tells them what they need to work on," said Wisconsin Valley Lutheran coach Ron Covelli, who is in his fourth year with the program. "I talk to him and the other captains about strategy and what we can do on the field. My philosophy is that I coach at practice and then the kids should know what to do during games. They learn how to lead on the field during games."

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Covelli said Cosby, who has started since his freshman year, stood out during the first time he stepped on to the practice field for the Wolves.

"Just watching his skills you knew he was one of the top players on the team as a freshman," Covelli said. "His ability to move the ball and do whatever he wanted to with it stood out. He has got great speed and has the ability to dribble around people. His leg strength is phenomenal, too."

Talk about the growth or improvement of this team this year from past seasons: We've gone into games against some opponents in the past years thinking, 'OK, this is not going to be fun.' But we compete in every game (this year) that's probably been the biggest difference. I think our defense is the best part of our team and they have been keeping us in the game. We have two or three of our fastest kids (on defense) and they are sacrificing part of their career to help us back there (instead of playing up front)

You are a tri-captain this season, the second straight year that you have been a captain. Does the leadership role seem easier this year in some way?  I would say I'm a lot more comfortable with it because I am one of the oldest (players on the team) and feel that a lot of teammates are naturally going to look to me (for leadership). There is also just a lot of growing up and maturing and realizing that there is a lot more than just being good at soccer. I try and look to those qualities as a captain like just having good character.

Was there a captain or person that you gained some leadership qualities from or influenced you? My sixth-grade basketball  and JV coach (DJ Schult) always talked to (the team) about how there was more than just basketball and more to leadership outside of sports.

You are a striker. Talk about the key of being a go-to goal scorer: For me it's all about staying calm on the field. If I get too riled up or excited, I will just rail it and (the ball) is just going to go somewhere (beyond the net). It's not going to end up good. So, it's about staying calm and in the right position to make a play.

What are your plans beyond graduation? I would like to go to St. Norbert and would like to become an English teacher and hopefully become a basketball coach.

When did you gain an interest in coaching? Well on traveling teams or just on any 3-on-3 teams I have been on, (teammates) have said, 'Oh, you're like our coach. Or stop being such a coach.' I just thought, 'Maybe that's something I should do.' Also I think about (Schult) and how much of a good role model he was. I don't know if I would be the same person I am if I hadn't met him.

Tim Johnson: 715-845-0731, or timothy.johnson@gannettwisconsin.com; on Twitter@timmyjo11

TEKOYA COSBY

School: Wisconsin Valley Lutheran

Year: Senior 

Sports: Soccer, basketball

Family: Mother, Shannon; father Winsor; brother, Daeshan

Favorite subject: English

Favorite book: I like mysteries. One of my favorites is  "The Creek" (by Jennifer L. Holm)

Favorite movie: "Coach Carter"

Favorite athlete: Jeremy Lin 

Favorite team: Houston Rockets