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)

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)

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 the second known Lao-American to play at the college level and one of only two players who were born in Laos. 

North Central College (1995)

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)

David Boutsomsy

David played for Delaware State University.  He is believed to be the second Lao American to play at the NCAA DI level. After graduating he 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

Alabama (2020)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Lo Van Pham

Lo Van Pham was born in Pakse Laos and came to the USA as a child. 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)