Steven Acosta used the local gay volleyball leagues to meet friends when he moved here from his native Florida about three years ago.
Now he's using volleyball to see the U.S., and rack up championshipssuch as the Windy City Open, a North American Gay Volleyball Association (NAGVA) event held in Chicago in early July.
Acosta is the libero (defensive specialist) for the Chicago Poppers, an eight-person team that overcame its 13th seed after pool play in the 18-team B-Division to capture the title.
"On Saturday [of the two-day tournament], I don't think we saw it happening. But we talked things over, switched some things around, worked as a team and just played great," Acosta said. "What makes us a strong team is our defense; we don't let balls drop.
"It was an awesome feeling [winning our division], especially considering our seed after pool play."
The title was Acosta's third championship in NAGVA tournaments since last August, to go with a second-place and two third-place finishes.
"It was exciting winning [the Windy City Open championship,] though nothing is as exciting as the first [championship ever], which was in Columbus, Ohio, last Labor Day weekend."
Acosta also plays beach volleyball locally and soccer. He played 13 out-of-state NAGVA tournaments from last August through May, including events in Denver, Boston, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Dallas, Cleveland, Atlanta and Pittsburgh, among others.
"I really have a blast playing volleyball, and through volleyball I've been able to see the U.S. and make friends around the country," Acosta said.
Acosta sports a coat and tie during the work week. He spent a year managing the MB Financial Bank in Lakeview and this summer switched to the Lincoln Square branch. He has worked in the banking industry for 10 years.
"I really enjoy it. Banking is all I know," he said. "I enjoy managing others, and helping them grow to their full potential, personally and professionally. I listen to my customers and help them achieve their goals."
STATS
Age
29
Relationship status
Single
Job title
Banking Center Manager, MB Financial Bank (Lincoln Square)
Hobbies
Volleyball, soccer, scuba diving, and "caring for my orchids"
Favorite local bar
Big Chicks
Background
Parents are Colombian; was born in Connecticut
Favorite TV show
True Blood
Biggest weakness
French fries at Windy City Gyros in Lakeview
Four people (living or dead) who you'd like to have dinner with
Andrew Garfield, Alberto Acosta (grandfather who he never met), Stan Lee and Janet Jackson
Little-known fact
Knows American Sign Language