“Soccer has always been a passion of mine. Ever since I was little, I wanted to play soccer and the second I touched the ball I fell in love,” says Ponca City’s Danielle Arita, a senior at Ponca City High School. She is a midfielder in soccer and in track she is on the relay team and competes in the 100-meter sprint. She has played soccer since she was seven years old and knows what it takes to be a great athlete. One of the highlight moments in her career was when she had three assists in a row during a home game her junior year. Her biggest influences are her three older brothers

“They have always had my back, believed in me and encouraged me to do my best. They motivate me and continue to teach me better habits, like it’s okay to mess up and get frustrated – but it’s what you do with that frustration that matters,” she said. But she can’t give all the credit to her siblings. She says her mom and dad remind her to give 110 percent every time and to keep a positive attitude; “I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for them.”  

One of her favorite teachers is her weightlifting coach, Coach T. He has taught her that no one is entitled to anything and that you have to work for the things you want.

“To be successful takes a lot of hard work and dedication day after day,” she said. “Always give it your all. Do not get too down on yourself – brush it off and keep going.”

Danielle is a member of the Ponca City United Soccer team, as well as St Luke’s youth group, Kay County Young Life and New Point Church. She also helps at Building Blocks Daycare when she can.