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Lao Americans in Football

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Bon Keomany

Bon Keomany was born in Laos and resettled in the USA at the age of 11. He became the first known Lao-American to play college football when in 1985 he joined the team at Concordia University in St Paul, MN.  The versatile athlete played defensive end, linebacker, and occasionally nose tackle.

Concordia University (1985)

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Boonta Kheuangthirath

Boonta was born in Laos and immigrated to the USA at 5 years old.  He became the 2nd known Lao-American to play college football when in 1992 he joined Widener as a wide receiver.  The two-time all-conference athlete caught 11 touchdown passes during the 1995 season and reamins one of the most decorated receivers in program history.  

Widener University (1992)

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Pitz Samayavong

Pitz played running back at Batavia High School where he was a leading rusher.  He was known for his speed and acceleration and was capable of running a 4.3 second 40-yard dash. He played at North Central College in Naperville, IL, and is one of only three known college players who were born in Laos. 

North Central College (1995)

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Anousith Wilaikul

Anousith Wilaikul joined the Oregon State Ducks as a placekicker in 1997 where we was 2nd string.  He decided to transfer to Washington State University where he was able to secure a starting position.  He had aspirations of joining the NFL but suffered a snowboarding injury that ended his career. 

University of Oregon (1997)
Washington State (1999)

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David Boutsomsy

David was able to secure a roster spot at Delaware State University as a running back.  He is believed to be the second Lao American to make an NCAA DI level team. He also played a few years of semi-pro before switching his focus to Powerlifting, David is a member of the Lao American Sports Hall of Fame. 

Delaware State (1999)

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Bounthavy Khamratthanome

Bounthavy set a rushing record at Wausau West High School that would stand for over 20 years before accepting a scholarship offer from Winona State.  After backing up an All-American during his first few years he went on to start and earn 2nd team all-conference as a senior.  Bounthavy remains active in football as a teacher and coach at Burnsville High School.

Winona State (2000)

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Phouthai Kerry Keoveunxay

Phouthai grew up in Stockton, CA, and attended Tokay High where he played running back and linebacker.  At San Joaquin Delta College he switched to safety and made All-State. He transferred to San Diego State where he played safety and special teams. Phoutai played on a semi-pro team in 2005.   

San Joaquin Delta College (2001)
San Diego State (2002)

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Xang Chareunsab

Xang played wide receiver for the University of Texas and during the 2005 season, they won a BCS National Championship.  He is believed to be the first Lao-American to play on a national championship team. Xang is currently a teacher in the Dallas, TX area.

Univeristy of Texas (2003)

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Andy Manotham

Andy was named New York State Section 4 All Star and earned All Section honors as a full back while at Johnson City Senior High.  He went on to play at St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY, where he took on the role as lead blocker.  He played semi-pro with the St. Lawrence Trail Blazers in 2006 before an ACL tear ended his football career.

St. Lawrence Uni. (2003)
St. Lawrence TB (2006)

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Scott Phaydavong

Scott played at Division I Drake University where he rushed for over 5,000 yards and broke numerous team records. He played professionally in the German Football league and is currently a high school football coach. Scott is a member of the Lao-American Sports Hall of Fame. 

Drake University (2004)
Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns (2009)

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Eddy Sihavong

Eddy Sihavong was a two way player at Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, CA, where he rushed for 980 yards and 11 touchdowns his senior year.  He committed to Colgate University where he continued playing a mix of offense and defense. He suffered a career ending knee injury during his senior year in a game where he made seven solo tackles. 

Colgate University (2009)

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James Chang

The 6'0" 285 lb offensive lineman played at Madison East High School in Madison, WI, before joining the University of Northwestern in St Paul, MN.  The Eagles compete at the NCAA DIII level in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference. 

University of Northwestern (2011)

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John Nammychai

John didn't have the opportunity to play in high school due to his family not having health insurance.  After joining the army and doing a tour in Afghanistan this self-made athlete successfully joined the semi-pro Midwest Titans.  He later played for the semi-pro Missouri Ravens. 

Midwest Titans (2014)

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Sebastian Yang

Sebastian Yang played for Roseville Area High School in Minnesota where he was called up to varsity as a sophomore. He was a two year starter at slot receiver/wing back and team captain his senior year leading his team to a conference championship. Sebastian would go on to play slot receiver at Augsburg University.

Augsburg Uni.  (2014)

Football

Ramuad Chiaokhiao-Bowman

Ramuad played at Northwestern University before entering the NFL draft after his senior year in 2020.  He  was signed by the Indianapolis Colts in 2021 as an undrafted free agent.  Although he did not secure a roster spot he is believed to be the first Lao-American to sign with an NFL team.

Northwestern (2016)
Naz Wranglers (2022)

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Jordan Phommachanh

Jordan is the oldest son in the Phommachanh football dynasty.  He played defensive line at Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts. 

Curry College (2016)

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Anouson "Nous" Keobounnam

Anouson is an Oregon native and played Center and Gurad for Oregon State University. He was ranked as one of the top linemen in the Pac-12 conference during the 2020/2021 season.  He is believed to be the fist Lao-American to play offensive line on an NCAA DI team.

Oregon State (2016)

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Peyton Xayasone

Peyton joined the University of West Florida Argonauts as a linebacker after graduating from Countryside High in Clearwater, FL.  During the 2019 season, the Argonauts won the NCAA DII National Championship in a 48-40 win over Minnesota State. 

Uni. of West Florida (2018)

Football Necessities

Ezekiel Sayavong

Ezekeil Sayavong made a name for himself on the defensive line at Lincoln High School in Tacoma, WA, before going on to play for the University of Puget Sound.  During the 2021 season, he recorded 1-1/2 sacs for a total loss of 8 yards.

Uni. of Puget Sound (2018)

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Louis Shimoum

Louis Shimoum enlisted in the Navy after graduating from Florin High School in Sacramento but returned to the football field after his contract was up.  He played at Southwestern College in Chula Vista before transferring to Chapman University where he plays Outside Linebacker and Defensive End.

Southwestern College (2018)
Chapman University (2021)

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Edwin Vorachack

Edwin Vorachack graduated from Escondido High School in California and first played for nearby Palomar College.  In 2021 he transferred to Waldorf College in Forest City, IA.  Edwin plays long snapper and outside linebacker.

Palomar College (2018)
Waldorf College (2021)

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Andrew Pheng Chang

Andrew Pheng Chang grew up in the Frogtown section of St Paul, MN, and attended the Hmong College Prep Academy.  He joined the Augsburg Auggies in 2019 as a wide receiver. He competed with the Auggies for four seasons.

Augsburg University (2019)
 

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Taisun Phommachanh

Taisun was a standout quaterback at Harding High School and Avon Old Farms School where he passed for a combined 5,224 yard and 46 touchdowns. His performance earned him a spot on the roster of ACC powerhouse Clemson University. 

Clemson (2019)
Georgia Tech (2022)
U. MASS (2023)

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AJ Vongphachanh

AJ was a three-star recruit out of Chiawana High School in the class of 2019 and currently plays linebacker for the Utah State Aggies. He is considered a top 50 player in the Mountain West Conference.

Utah State (2019)

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Audricus Phagnasay

Audricus is originally from Fresno, CA, where he played Wide Receiver and Defensive Back/Free Saftey at Edison High School.  In 2019 he joined Aurora University as a defensive back which is an NCAA DIII school in Aurora, IL.

Aurora University (2019)

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Josh Keomysay

Josh Keomysay played offensive guard at Peachtree Ridge High School in Georgia before committing to play at Bethany College in West Virginia. The 5' 10" 240 lb lineman was awarded a scholarship by the Gwinnett Touchdown club.

Bethany College (2020)

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Malachi Moore

Malachi played for Hewitt-Trussville High School where he was a 4-star recruit in the class of 2020. He joined the University of Alabama Crimson Tide where he became a starting defensive back as a true freshman. Malachi was drafted by the New York Jets in 2025 becoming the first Lao American to do so.

University of Alabama (2020)
New York Jests -NFL

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Nate Valcarcel

Nate Phouthachack Valcarcel was a two way player at Whitnall High School in Wisconsin where he rushed for 1,824 yards and registered 41 tackles.  He initially played for University of South Dakota before transferring to NIU. At NIU he played mainly on special teams and recorded 28 solo tackles. He signed with the LA Rams in 2025.

Uni. of South Dakota (2020)
Northern Illinois (2021)
Los Angeles Rams -NFL

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Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman

Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman was a 3-star wide receiver out of Robbinsdale Armstrong High in Minnesota who started his college career at Independence CC in KS.  In 2022 he committed to play for the University of Florida Gators. He was considered one of the top prospects in 2022. Thai transferred to Rice University in 2024.

Independence CC (2021)
Uni. of Florida (2022)
Rice University (2024)

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James Chanthalangsy

James Chanthalangsy is a football player from Luverne, MN.  He joined the Concordia College in Morehead, MN, in 2021 as a defensive back. 

Concordia (2021)

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Trystin Sithavanh Brown

At 6'4" and 220 lbs Trystin Brown was a standout wide receiver and defensive back at Akins High School in Austin, TX.  He started his college career at Blinn Community College before transferring to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. 

Blinn Community (2021)
UHMHB (2023)

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David Daniel-Sisavanh

David Daniel-Sisavanh was a 4 star recruit out of Woodstock High in Georgia and was ranked as the #3 athlete nationally.  He joined the Georgia Bulldogs in 2021 and was part of the BCS National Championship team.  David's step father is Lao and he added the Sisavanh name to his jersey to pay respect ot his father and adopted culture. 

University of Georgia (2021)

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Tyler Phommachanh

Tyler is the third son in the Phommachan football dynasty.  He played quarterback at Avon Old Farm School in high school and joined the University of Connecticut football team in 2021. He was a starter for the Huskies during his freshman season before being sidelined by an injury.

UCONN (2021)

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Bryant Thao

As a placekicker for Clovis East High School Hmong Ameircan, Bryant Thao, broke a school record after hitting a 49-yard field goal. He was perfect on PATs and field goals during his Junior and senior year.  Bryant joined the Cal Poly Mustangs in 2021.

Cal Poly. (2021)

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Romeo Vang

Romeo Vang is a Hmong American linebacker from Stevens Point, WI.  After graduating from Stevens Point High School he joined the Lakeland Muskies in 2021 where he became special teams player of the year as a freshman.

Lakeland Univ. (2021)
Uni. of Wisconsin -Stevens Point

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Justis Sihapanya

Justis Sihapanya is a 240 lb middle linebacker out of Esparto High School in California.  In 2022 he committed to continue his academic and athletic career with the Shasta College Knights. 

Shasta College (2022)

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Tyler Soukhot

Tyler Soukhot played for Lawrence High in Kansas and graduated in 2020.  the standout wide receiver would work his way on to the NCAA D1 University of Kansas Jayhawks, first as a redshirt/practice squad member and then secure an official spot on the roster. 

Uni. of Kansas (2022)

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Rayden Aphayvong

Rayden Aphayvong is from London, Ontario, but played football at the Asheville School in North Carolina.  A versatile player he played Quarterback, strong safety, and linebacker.  He started his college career playing Strong Saftey at the New Mexico Military Institute and plans to transfer to a D1 or D2 school.  

New Mexico MI (2022)
Stony Brook (2025)

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Lo Van Pham

Lo Van Pham was born in Pakse Laos where his family had fled fighting in Vietnam. He played football at Palo Duro High in Amarillo, TX but not in college.  After college, he began officiating and rose through the ranks of NCAA D1 including the Mountain West and Big 12 conferences.  In 2022 began officiating for the USFL and NFL. He is the first Asian-American NFL official.

Mountain West / Big 12
USFL/NFL (2022)

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Connor Luongvan

Conner Luongvan tore the field up at STMA High in St Michael, MN averaging 4.7 yards per carry and 7.9 per catch his junior year. He ran 63 yards per game and scored four TDs during the 2022 season.  Named one of Minnesota's top running backs by SBLive he signed with the  NCAA D2 University of Sioux Falls. 

Uni. of Sioux Falls (2023)

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Tuyee Yang

Tuyee Yang played for Edison High School in Fresno, CA, where he played wide receiver and corner back. He committed to play for McPherson College in Kansas for the 2023 season.  The Bulldogs play in the NAIA Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. 

McPherson College (2023)

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Tayden Mounivong

Tayden Mounivong was a standout wide receiver at  Stewart High School in Smyrna, TN.  He was honored as a Scholar-Athlete at  the 57th Annual National Football Foundation & College Football Hall of Fame banquet before signing with Centre Collège in 2023.  

Centre College (2023)

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Ayden Moore

Ayden Moore is a DE/LB out of Hewitt-Trussville High School where he registered 83 tackles.  The 6'2" 230 lb athlete committed to the University of Alabama for the 2024 season.  He is the brother of Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore.

Uni. of Alabama (2024)

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Mekhi Toms

Mekhi Toms is a defensive back out of Desert Vista High School in Arizona where he totaled 110 tackles, 17 pass break-ups, 2 interceptions and 5 forced fumbles. Mekhi committed to the Drake University Bulldogs for the 2024 where former pro player Scott Phaydavong played. In 2025 he transferred to the University of Northern Colorado. 

Drake University (2024)
Univ. Northern Colorado (2025)

Univ. of Northern Iowa (2026)

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Andrew Sourinhaphong

Andrew began playing youth football at 6 years old in Arkansas. He would go on to become a dominant defensive force at McGavock High School in Nashville, TN, before signing with the NCAA D2 Lincoln Blue Tigers. The 5'11" 190 lb linebacker traces his ancestry to Pakse, Laos.

Lincoln Univ. - MO (2024)

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Jeremiaha Tuiileila

Jeremiah Tuiileila commitment to play NCAA D1 football with San Diego State University. Dubbed the “Sack King”, at 6’ -2” and 225 lbs, he was one of the most feared defensive linemen in the Sacramento region. He attended Grant Union High School.

San Diego State (2025)

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Noah Boutsomsy

Noah Boutsomsy was a standout running back at St Joseph's High School in South Bend, IN.  He was recognized for his talent and effort at several camps including 2024 National Combine Honorable Mention and 2023 Indiana Preps Winter Showcase RB MVP. Noah is the first 2nd generation athlete in this gallery.

Trine University (2025)

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Elijah Toms

Elijah Toms was a stand out defense back at Desert Vista High School in Arizona.  At 6'3" and 185 lbs he dominated the high school fields in the greater Phoenix metro.  Toms brings some much needed size to the Oregon State secondary. 

Oregon State (2026)

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Malakai Pathoummourack

Malakai Pathoummourack was named REC Adobe Offensive Player of the Year and ranked 31st among running backs in California.  During his senior season at Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa, he rushed for 1,329 yards, scored 21 touchdowns and led his team to an 11-2 finish and runner up state champions.

El Camino College (2026)

Know of another Lao-American Football Player?
We are trying to build out this page in an effort to document the history of Lao/Laotian Americans in football. Please help us to identify any missing players. All athletes have self-identified as Lao/Laotian American or with one of the diverse cultures of Laos (Hmong, Khmu', Tai Dam, Lu Mien, etc...). 

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