Sapulpa’s Zane Keathley

Sapulpa High School junior Zane Keathley has built his soccer journey on discipline, leadership and gratitude, whether he is locking down the back line for the Chieftains or flying up the flank for his club team.

Keathley plays for both Sapulpa and Tulsa SC, lining up at center back and defensive midfield in high school and at outside back and wingback for his club side. He said one of his proudest achievements is serving as captain for his club team and leading it to several tournament titles over the years. “Being captain of my club team and getting first in a few tournaments over the years,” Keathley said, “that’s probably what I’m most proud of.”

Soccer, he said, has shaped who he is off the field as much as on it. “The biggest thing it has taught me is discipline and work ethic, without it you can’t do anything,” Keathley said. “It has also taught me that winning isn’t everything, and you can’t do any of it without your teammates.”

Keathley credits Sapulpa coach “Coach D” for helping him grow as a player and a person. “He has taught me many things, not just for soccer but as a person myself,” Keathley said. “He has shown me how to be a leader; I couldn’t have gotten this far without him.”

His biggest inspiration, though, starts at home. “My mom is who inspires me most,” Keathley said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today, I wouldn’t be the person who I am today if it wasn’t for her. She is the strongest person I know.” He also points to close friend and fellow player Myles Nsien, saying Nsien has taught him “so many things not just as a player but a person.”

An old coach left Keathley with one word that still drives him: “opportunity.” “He says that you will get the opportunity to do anything you set your mind to and when you get that opportunity you take it,” Keathley said. He also thanks “the one and only God” for guiding his path and looks up to Lionel Messi as proof that “even being the smallest player on the field you can be the most important.”