JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Three steps back. Two steps to the side.
Dan Duong’s pre-kick routine never changes. The Raines High School junior stands alone on the football field, his eyes fixed on the goalposts in front of him.
In these moments, his mind clears completely – no thoughts of the screaming crowd, the pressure of an undefeated season, or even the journey that brought him here, nearly 9,000 miles from where his story began.
Just four years ago, Duong was an 11-year-old boy in Vietnam who didn’t speak a word of English.
Now, he’s become one of the Vikings’ most reliable weapons in their quest for a state title, converting 26 extra points and knocking in a 36-yard field goal this season.
“It’s best to have a seven rather than six, and he’s been doing a great job of making sure that he is focused and understands his job,” Raines Head Football Coach Donovan Masline said.
Duong’s path to becoming a football kicker began with his father’s suggestion shortly after arriving in America. Drawing from his soccer background, Duong found that his skills translated well to football, though the transition required dedication to master the technical aspects of kicking.
“At first, it’s kind of difficult because I got to work on my technique,” Duong explained. “But then I learned from people, and my technique is getting better, so it’s getting easier to kick.”
In his first season with the Vikings after transferring from Riverside, Duong has already left his mark on the program. In a single game against Sandalwood, he went 11-for-11 on PATs, an accomplishment that has earned him the trust of his coaching staff and teammates.
Coach Masline said that’s got to be some type of record.
“We haven’t had that luxury in years past, so we don’t take it for granted,” Coach Masline said. “That’s why we treat him very well. Nobody messes with Dan – if you mess with Dan, they gonna find you.”
Duong’s impact extends beyond his kicking abilities. Despite the challenges of learning a new language and adapting to American culture, he’s embraced the opportunity to share his Vietnamese heritage with his teammates, who often express curiosity about his native language and food choices.
His work ethic has particularly impressed the coaching staff. During summer workouts, when kickers typically maintain a lighter schedule, Duong chose to train alongside running backs and defensive backs.
“He’s one of the hardest workers we have on the team,” Masline said. “You can just see the hunger that he has, the determination that he has to be great.”
Off the field, Duong maintains equally high standards, striving for straight A’s in his classes. “It helps me with a lot of things, makes my parents proud of me,” he said. “It makes me feel good and can help me get into a bigger college.”
While he occasionally misses aspects of life in Vietnam – the friends, culture, and familiar surroundings – Duong has found a new family within the Raines football program. He said his teammates have taught him about discipline and motivation.
As Raines continues their undefeated season, Duong’s reliable kicking could prove crucial in its pursuit of a state title. Masline said he has complete confidence in his kicker’s abilities, stating simply, “Dan don’t miss.”
For Duong, his approach remains straightforward: “Just clear my mind, don’t think about anything, and when I get to the field, just look at the post and kick it. That’s all I think about.”
With championship aspirations and a perfect season on the line, the Vikings believe they can count on their kicker when the moment arrives.
Three steps back. Two steps to the side. One dream at a time. For Dan Duong, every kick brings him closer to his goals – and reminds an entire team that any distance can be conquered.