The bright lights cast shadows of Panthers across the field. Pushing the ball with intensity, sophomore Momo Tonthat weaves through opponents while advancing towards the goal with one objective in sight. He swiftly kicks the ball with precision, pushing it into the back of the net. The crowd roars and the team earns yet another point.
Tonthat is a critical part of the immensely successful Poly varsity boys soccer team. The team boasts a 17-3-2 overall record, ending their season as the CIF Division 7 Southern Section champions, which could not have been accomplished without the valiant effort by Tonthat and the leadership he presents, even as an underclassman.
Tonthat has played soccer since the age of five. He began playing club at ten years old and has thrived ever since. Today, Tonthat is one of the three captains on the team and plays at the position of striker.
Freshman Anthony Iek stated, “He always makes sure to play his heart out which makes him one of the best players on the team and the best striker as he scores most of our goals.”
This makes Tonthat one of the most prominent players on the team, due to his outstanding offensive abilities. He is a constant threat on the field, challenging the opponents every second.
Additionally, he contributes to his team beyond matches. Iek contributed, “He will go out of his way to do chores like returning the balls, which is usually a freshmen task.”
He exemplifies all the qualities you’d seek in a leader, which helps influence his other teammates to better themselves. He loves playing on the team for the sense of community it has brought him. He believes in the idea of a team and he tries to re-inforce that as a captain.
Senior teammate Charlie Broggi commented, “I think Momo’s success isn’t just from his ability to dribble through the other team or naturally find the goal. I think it mainly comes from his natural ability to be a leader. His leadership has taught me to be a better player and it’s definitely helped us move forward as a group through the playoffs.”
This has brought the team closer together and resulted in more success as a whole.
One of the most impressive parts about Tonthat is his skill relative to his age. With his current success, it not only affects the present but assures a future full of hope and success.
“I think Poly soccer will thrive the next two years under his leadership, and I can only imagine how much of a threat Momo will be in the future,” added Broggi.
With his work ethic, leadership skills and team-oriented mindset, it’s obvious that Tonthat will continue to bring the team success in the seasons to come.