Athlete of the Week - Bonanza Football's Braeden Osotio

Athlete of the Week – Bonanza Football’s Braeden Osotio

For 13 years, Braeden Osotio played soccer. He never expected that experience would eventually lead him to the football field. After deciding to try something different, the Bonanza High School senior found his way to kicking.

“I thought it would be fun to do something different, and being a kicker seemed like a good transition,” Osotio said. “Once I gave it a try, I realized I was having fun and was actually pretty good at it. The moment I started, I completely fell in love with it.”

Osotio has now been kicking for one year and three months, building his skills largely on his own before finding the right coaching to take his game to another level. When he first started, he didn’t even know kicking coaches existed. His first move was to YouTube, where he searched for videos on how to kick a football and began teaching himself the fundamentals. He also studied NFL kicker Blake Grupe, now with the New York Jets, whose 5-foot-7, 156-pound frame is nearly identical to his own.

“Since we have the exact same build, I really tried to study his swing,” Osotio said.

Osotio documented his progress on social media through a “Road to D1” series. Along the way, the kicking community became an unexpected source of support, with other kickers reaching out with advice and small adjustments that helped him improve.

His transition from soccer to football was relatively smooth. Years of competitive soccer had already taught him how to perform under pressure. The biggest adjustment was learning the timing involved with the snap and hold. Now, the Bonanza kicker is starting to see the results of the work he has put in.

Osotio recently set a school record with a 52-yard field goal, a moment he considers his favorite kick of the season so far.

“It was an unreal feeling and just felt amazing,” he said.

Despite the recognition he has received, Osotio isn’t satisfied yet. He currently does not have a college offer and remains focused on earning his first opportunity at the next level.

“This recognition is nice and is a testimony to my hard work,” Osotio said. “But I am not satisfied as I currently don’t have any offers yet and am still working hard to get my first.”

For Osotio, his success comes from a combination of faith, consistency, and a willingness to keep improving.

“First off, all glory to God. Without Him, literally none of this happens,” he said. “My soccer background definitely gave me a big leg to start with, but it also just came down to going out to the field every single day focused on getting 1% better.”

Finding Coach Blake Levin at VIP Kicking also became a major turning point.

“He basically took the stuff I taught myself and completely cleaned up my swing,” Osotio said.

His preparation doesn’t stop when practice ends. Osotio begins preparing mentally for Friday night games throughout the week, visualizing himself making his kicks before he ever steps onto the field.

“I spend a lot of time visualizing the game and manifesting my made kicks, so by the time the game hits, it feels like I’ve already played it,” he said.

He also tries to recreate the pressure of game day during practice by playing crowd noise from his phone and setting consequences for missing his charting goals. By putting himself in those situations during practice, Osotio said he is better able to tune out the crowd on game day and trust his swing and preparation.

Off the field, Osotio balances football with a demanding academic schedule at West Career and Technical Academy. With a 4.376 GPA, time management has become just as important as his kicking routine.

“As soon as I get home after school, before practice, I get started on my more difficult assignments,” he said. “I know by the time I get home after practice I’ll be physically drained. I have to have a strict routine, so I can keep my 4.376 GPA up.”

With the rest of the season ahead, Osotio has his sights set on another milestone: a 60-yard field goal.

He recently had the opportunity to attempt one during a game, but the kick was blocked. Now, he wants another chance.

Team success is just as important. Osotio hopes to help Bonanza reach its first winning season in 15 years. Looking ahead past his senior year, though, one goal stands above the rest.

“The ultimate goal is to get my first college offer,” Osotio said.

For other athletes considering taking a chance on something new, Osotio’s advice is simple.

“Just do it and take the leap of faith, because you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Trust in God because everything happens for a reason, and put in the work, aiming to become a better version of your old self.”

More FSM Athlete of the Week

Catch up on past honorees: Liberty flag football’s Trishelle Tucay, Shadow Ridge flag football’s Keira Rodriguez, Centennial football’s Jayden “Jet” Thomas and Palo Verde football’s Beau Gardineer, or see the full list of FSM Athlete of the Week winners. Know an athlete who deserves it? Nominate them here, and vote in this week’s poll.

Franchise Sports Media. Las Vegas sports news about Las Vegas Sports teams.

— Keira Reece Orton (@sportswithkeira) for Franchise Sports Media

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