Meet Mill Valley football’s four-star kicker Kenten Laughman
SHAWNEE, Kan. — Junior Kenten Laughman’s goal for the Mill Valley High School football team this year was to win the state championship. Mission accomplished, with his contribution of kicking. His personal goal is to kick in college, and he has his senior year ahead of him in which to prepare. He finds his biggest challenge as a student-athlete is balancing school and football while maintaining a strong relationship with God. “Football at Mill Valley is a life even in off season,” he said. “You have to love the sport to stay dedicated. I have become very good with time management; I plan everything around football and it keeps me focused.”
Over the years Kenten has played soccer, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse. What he likes about his participation in football is there are not many kickers and there is always room for improvement. He focuses on growing stronger each day and perfecting what he loves to do. The best advice he received from a coach is that the only one who can put limitations on a person is oneself. As a team member, he has learned that he and his teammates are all playing for something bigger than themselves. “We motivate each other to do better. My team is extremely close and they are like a second family to me.”
His pregame rituals include putting on his left cleat before his right, praying before each game, and listening to a particular music playlist. He is inspired by Chris Tennant, the 5-star senior kicker at Mill Valley when Kenton was a freshman who now kicks for Kansas State University. He mentors Kenton and continues to teach him by sharing his college experience as a D-1 kicker.
Outside of his sport, he likes to work out, golf, wake surf, travel, and hang out with friends and family. What he is most proud of are the life lessons he has learned since focusing solely on kicking. There is a lot to manage as a kicker and it can be very stressful. He feels fortunate to have a good support system with his family, friends, and coaches.
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