High School Spotlight: NorthWood’s Dominic De Freitas

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NAPPANEE, Ind. — While offensive players often steal the spotlight on Friday nights, at NorthWood High School, it's the special teams that are capturing attention this season, thanks to Dominic De Freitas—a two-sport star and one of the top-ranked kickers in the nation.

As the 5th-ranked kicker in the country and an invitee to the Under Armor All-American Game, De Freitas holds the IHSAA record for the longest field goal at an impressive 62 yards. His talents extend beyond the gridiron; he also leads the Northern Lakes Conference in goals scored for soccer, demonstrating remarkable versatility and dedication as he juggles both sports.

Coach Nate Andrews expresses confidence in De Freitas's abilities: “We feel confident we can be pretty far out and give it a shot.” This confidence is rooted in De Freitas’s proven track record, yet balancing two demanding sports is no easy feat.

“It’s definitely challenging playing three soccer games and then going out on Friday nights. I’m super run down, but Coach Andrews is really flexible with my practice schedule. I usually come on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, but he accommodates me,” De Freitas shared.

Coach Andrews recognizes the balance De Freitas maintains, stating, “He practices football and kicking when he can, but he's primarily focused on being a dedicated soccer player. This is raw and natural talent with not a lot of coaching—certainly not by me.”

For De Freitas, kicking is about mental fortitude. “I like to think of it like taking a penalty. It’s just me and the ball. There are people watching, but ultimately, it’s about my focus and the ball. Kicking is definitely more mental than physical,” he explained.

With an impressive skill set and a strong mental game, De Freitas is mentally prepared to break his record again if the opportunity arises. His journey is a testament to dedication, talent, and the spirit of high school athletics.